Bar Council
Commissioner for Conduct
Remuneration: £850 per day, 4-6 days per month
Location: Hybrid/London
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for the Bar to change its culture – and for all of us that change starts now.”
Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council
The Bar Council is the voice of the barrister profession in England and Wales. We lead, represent and support the Bar in the public interest, championing the rule of law and access to justice. Our nearly 18,000 members – self-employed and employed barristers – make up a united Bar that is strong, inclusive, independent and influential. As the General Council of the Bar, we’re the approved regulator for all practising barristers in England and Wales. We delegate our regulatory functions to the operationally independent Bar Standards Board (BSB).
This is a new and high-profile role, which has been created following a recommendation in the Harman Review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar and the purpose of the role is to tackle these issues. The Commissioner for Conduct will be operationally independent but will have the status of an officer of the Bar, alongside the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. Building on the substantial programme of work in this area which already exists within the policy team, the new Commissioner and their office will enhance and build on the profile and reach of this work.
Candidates will demonstrate a successful track record at senior leadership level, gained within a complex public, private or not-for-profit organisation. You will have an in-depth knowledge of the prevalence and impact of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace or in a large organisation or institution and will understand the challenges faced by those who experience these behaviours. You will bring experience of leading or facilitating organisational change, particularly in relation to professional standards and conduct and will be able to act with integrity, independence and authority within this. With the ability to engage and influence credibly with a complex group of stakeholders and the judiciary, you will be a strong communicator and have the personal resilience to operate effectively under intense scrutiny from the profession, the media and the public.
The Bar Council embraces its values of diversity, inclusion and respect, commitment, collaboration and excellence, and we actively encourage those with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply to work with us
For more details about the role, please click ‘Apply’ or, for a confidential discussion about the role and your suitability, contact Khadeeja.khalid@gatenbysanderson.com of our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson.
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 21 November 2025