Temple Garden Chambers is committed to promoting equality and diversity within Chambers and at the Bar. We take a proactive approach going beyond our obligations under the Equality and Diversity Rules of the BSB Handbook.
We have put in place the following policies:
We have an Equality and Diversity Action Plan, which is regularly reviewed and updated by the Equality and Diversity Committee.
In relation to pupillage applications:
We foster an open, friendly and supportive environment both during pupillage and beyond. Specifically, we have a designated ‘Pupil Contact’ – this is a member of Chambers who acts as a support mechanism for pupils and, through whom, they can raise any issues or concerns in confidence.
We collect and review diversity data and monitor the allocation of unassigned work. View our diversity data here.
We have established a Rent Review Committee. Its remit includes considering any equality and diversity implications of Chambers’ rent policy and proposing appropriate remedial action.
We believe that the profession should be representative of society as a whole. We are committed to improving access to the Bar for those from non-traditional backgrounds and increasing the representation of under-represented groups. In 2019, we partnered with the Social Mobility Foundation to provide mini-pupillages to high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Our Equality and Diversity Officer is Andrew O’Connor QC. Our Diversity Data Officer is Paul McGrath.