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Bar Standards Board Scraps Diversity Mandate After Backlash

5/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned its controversial plan to mandate barristers in England and Wales to champion diversity initiatives. Facing significant pushback from senior barristers and industry groups over concerns of ambiguity and misuse, the BSB will continue to uphold its fundamental duty against unlawful discrimination.

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Story summary

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned its controversial plan to mandate barristers in England and Wales to champion diversity initiatives. Facing significant pushback from senior barristers and industry groups over concerns of ambiguity and misuse, the BSB will continue to uphold its fundamental duty against unlawful discrimination.