The Bar Standards Board has implemented plans to widen its powers following approval from the Legal Services Board.
The bar watchdog can now impose interim restrictions on a barrister’s practising certificate, or withdraw practising rights, where a finding of misconduct has been made but the decision on sanction has been deferred.
The BSB will also be able to refer a person to an interim suspension panel, by adding a new ground for referral, where this is ‘necessary to protect the public or is otherwise in the public interest’.
The changes follow a consultation last year that met with general approval from those who responded.
Sara Jagger, BSB director of legal and enforcement said: ‘We are pleased that the Legal Services Board has now approved these important changes to our regulatory arrangements, which will enable us to better protect the public and maintain public confidence.’
