St Ives Chambers is committed to the implementation and promotion of equality and diversity principles and equal opportunities. We recognise the importance of the Bar being seen to be fair and non-discriminatory and to be open to all, regardless of social, economic or educational background or circumstances. Underlying this policy is our intention that every individual should be accorded equal and fair opportunity and respect and be judged on merit and ability alone, free from judgments or treatment based on prejudice or assumptions of collective characteristics. Click here to view our Equality and Diversity Policy.
We are also committed to Wellbeing at the Bar, which applies to all members, staff and pupils at St Ives. In addition to providing a range of events during the annual ‘Wellbeing Week’ in May, we provide other wellbeing resources throughout the year including:
- free access to various services provided by ‘Health Assured’;
- a mentoring scheme for all members, staff and pupils;
- chair yoga and chair massages, provided by qualified specialists;
- mindfulness awareness; and
- much more.
Our Equality, Diversity & Wellbeing Committee is chaired by Elisabeth Richards and consists of three subcommittees:
Equality Subcommittee: chaired by Elisabeth Richards (Equality & Diversity Officer)
Diversity Subcommittee: chaired by Matthew Maynard (Diversity Data Officer, and Deputy Equality & Diversity Officer)
Wellbeing Subcommittee: chaired by Justine Lattimer (Wellbeing Officer and Deputy Equality & Diversity Officer)
Diversity Data Publication
The Bar Standards Board requires that a summary of the Diversity Data submitted by the members of Chambers and staff be published on our website every three years. Click on the link to view the summary of our Diversity Data.
Diversity Data Officer: Matthew Maynard
Disability and Accessibility
St Ives Chambers premises are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustment you may need when visiting or contacting us. Click on the link to view our Disability Access Statement for details.
Diversity at the Bar
St Ives Chambers is fully committed to diversity within all aspects of the Bar, whether you are a tenant, pupil, employee, judge, solicitor or anyone else involved with the work of the Bar.
Chambers is proud to be one of the first sets of chambers to sign up to the FreeBar Charter. FreeBar is a network for everyone at the Bar who believes in equality for LGBT+ individuals. For more information, visit www.freebar.co.uk. To view our FreeBar Charter, click here.
We also have an internal St Ives LGBT+ Network, in which members, staff and pupils may identify as LGBT+ or as a straight ally in furtherance of our commitment to visibility and inclusion.