We value this annual regulatory performance assessment and make use of the performance framework and findings in self-assessing our performance and impact and evolving our work.
We are pleased to note that The Bar Standards Board (BSB) and The Legal Services Board (LSB) share the commitment to excellent regulation in the public interest and are aligned on many aspects of the BSB Reform programme. The LSB support our aims and objectives. We have been in continual dialogue and have provided detailed evidence to respond to the challenges and the concerns the LSB have raised about the pace of change. We will continue to do so as the programme progresses.
The Bar Standards Board is changing and changing fast.
- We consistently hit the most important operational targets for the quality of our decisions, independently audited, and in the last quarter hit or narrowly missed 13 of 19 balanced scorecard measures.
- We have re-organised to provide unified accountability for our end-to-end enforcement process and will in May 2025 have completed the re-design of the enforcement process, paving the way for a consultation on changes to our enforcement regulations in the Summer.
- We have in place a comprehensive balanced scorecard of operational performance measures, which we keep under review, and will be extending that scorecard in the year ahead to capture regulatory impacts and the engagement of our people.
- Our annual People Surveys show high levels of engagement with our work and levels of engagement which compare favourably with comparator organisations.
We recognise, however, that there is more to do and share the LSB’s view that change needs to happen at pace. Colleagues are working diligently and tirelessly to both run the BSB alongside progressing the reforms that will generate greater efficiencies and consistent performance. Getting this balance right remains a key focus and we look forward to continuing to work with the LSB to give them the assurance they seek. We have published our Business Plan and Budget which details our plans for our year ahead.
