Why we collect data about you and your practice
Collecting data is essential for the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to deliver its functions and support the public interest. By gathering accurate information, we can reduce and prevent harm, set effective standards and encourage an independent, effective, strong and diverse barrister profession.
The National Audit Office states that “getting the right data in the right place at the right time is a basic driver of value for money for public bodies: making services work for people, improving systems and processes, and supporting better decisions."
Much of these data will be collected from barristers. Without these data we would not be able to act in the public interest. This data collection also actively benefits barristers, for example by ensuring high quality training, maintaining fair and transparent authorisation processes, and by delivering analysis and research in a range of areas affecting the Bar, such as income, progression and diversity.
We also use the data you provide to understand long-term patterns, demographics, practice areas and the geographic location of practitioners.
Authorisation to Practise
The annual “Authorisation to Practise” exercise through the MyBar portal provides us with an important touchpoint with the profession. It is an opportunity for us to ensure that the information we hold about you and your practice is up-to-date.
Sometimes the questions we ask you may change, for example in 2022 we started to ask questions about “sex” and “gender” in order to make our analysis clearer in this area. We may also take this opportunity to ask you additional questions that support our policy development in particular areas, for example in 2024 we added questions about your priorities for Continuing Professional Development.
Why this may need to change over time
The way we collect and use data will continue to evolve. With technological and cultural change, more data than ever are being generated about barristers and their work. At the same time, regulators like the BSB, along with other key organisations in the legal services market, require more comprehensive and high-quality data to support their activities and decision-making.
We are committed to ensuring that data collection remains efficient, fair and beneficial to the public interest. In 2024 the BSB published its Data and Intelligence strategy which provides more information about our approach.
Data protection and privacy
We take the security of your data seriously. We regularly update our privacy policies, which can be accessed on our website.
