Raising The Bar on Diversity and Inclusion | 2024 Diversity, Inclusion and Working Life Survey

The Bar Council has launched its second-annual survey to better understand ways in which diversity and inclusion opportunities can be developed for members.

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Building on its inaugural launch in June 2023, the Equality and Resilience Committee in partnership with the Library Committee have launched this year’s Diversity, Inclusion and Working Life Survey, which aims to identify areas of opportunity and development for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives at The Bar of Ireland. 

The survey will focus on highlighting a spectrum of diverse backgrounds and realities amongst members, and will identify areas where the Bar can continue to support and improve the mental and financial well-being of its members.

By gathering data-driven insights from members, the survey guides us in making informed decisions and implementing effective strategies while supporting ongoing initiatives such as the Equality and Action Plan and the Equitable Briefing Policy. Member feedback refines and strengthen these existing policies, while identifying pathways to The Bar and improving membership retention for the future.

Let your Voice be Heard

We strongly encourage all members to participate in the 2024 Diversity, Inclusion and Working Life Survey. Your input is vital in helping the Equality and Resilience Committee better understand and respond to the needs, concerns and perspective in the upcoming legal year and beyond.

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Opportunities for Growth – Key Considerations from 2023 Survey

Results of the 2023 survey revealed three key areas of consideration to assist in future planning and development of diversity and inclusion within The Bar of Ireland, and for the barrister profession:

Fees, finance and income:

• Variable workstream, income and payment of fees were listed among the top five challenges to being self-employed. These factors were also among the top reasons to consider leaving The Bar.

Mental and physical well-being:

• The largest cohort of respondents reporting the challenges of work–life balance and stress are those who have been at the Bar for the least amount of time (10 years or less – 40%).
• Work–life balance and stress were listed as two of the biggest challenges to being self-employed.

Access:

• When asked about educational background, responses revealed one-third (33%) are the first generation in their family to attend third-level education and 75% do not have relatives who are legal professionals.

These key themes are interconnected and continue to serve as focal points as responses of this years survey are gathered and reviewed in the coming weeks. Read more from the 2023 Diversity, Inclusion and Working Lives Survey here.

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Tracy Ennis Faherty BL, Chair of the Equality and Resilience Committee said,

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Equality Action Plan

The Equality Action Plan sets out a series of recommended actions to build upon existing equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives at the Bar of Ireland. The five primary objectives under the Plan are:

1. to enhance public awareness of a positive equality, diversity and inclusion culture at the Bar;
2. to introduce and embedding diversity awareness training at the Bar;
3. to enhance access to the profession;
4. to support fair and equitable practice development and career progression opportunities; and
5. to enhance the accessibility of member services at the Bar.

It is essential for the Bar to remain proactive in offering and promoting various forms of support to all members, especially those who are most in need. The survey will close Friday, 2nd August 2024.

Learn More about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Bar

The Equality and Resilience Committee and the newly appointed EDI & Wellbeing Co-Ordinator work collaboratively to ensure the effectiveness and inclusivity of the 2024 Diversity, Inclusion and Working Life Survey, alongside other wellness initiatives put on by the Bar of Ireland, aiming to foster a supportive and equitable environment for all members.

Our Allies and Champions:

Learn more about JAM, the Bar of Ireland Equitable Briefing Policy, the OUTLAW network and DisAbility Legal Network.