Is a new duty for barristers on equality necessary?

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has proposed a significant change to the duties of barristers, suggesting they should be required to “act in a way that advances equality, diversity and inclusion.” This new duty would replace the existing obligation to “not discriminate unlawfully against any person.” The BSB’s consultation, which runs until November, aims to foster a culture change within the profession. Sam Townend KC, Chair of the Bar Council, expressed support for the initiative but cautioned that “radical change is certainly disruptive and may have unintended detrimental consequences.”