Social Responsibility
Cloisters Chambers is committed to acting responsibly as a set of chambers, both in the work we undertake and in how we operate. Our approach to social responsibility reflects our values, our professional obligations and our belief that the Bar has an important role to play in supporting fairness, access to justice and inclusion.
Our work in this area is focused on equality, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility and accessibility.
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Cloisters Chambers is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within Chambers and across the legal profession. We recognise the importance of fostering an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are supported to thrive.
Our approach is practical and reflective, informed by ongoing review, engagement and improvement.
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We recognise the importance of wellbeing at the Bar and are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our members and staff.
Chambers seeks to promote a supportive and collegiate working environment and to encourage open conversations around wellbeing.
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Cloisters Chambers is committed to promoting gender equality and addressing structural and cultural barriers that affect progression and retention at the Bar. As a signatory to the Women in Law Pledge, we actively support initiatives aimed at improving equality of opportunity and fostering meaningful, long-term change within the profession.
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We are proud signatories to the Women in Law Pledge created by the Bar Council of England and Wales, The Law Society, and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives(CILEx).
We are committed to the progress of equality, elimination of sex discrimination and pledge to make positive change for the legal profession -
We are committed to addressing racial inequality and promoting race equality within Chambers and the wider profession. This includes engagement with initiatives that support representation, inclusion and fair opportunity.
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Cloisters Chambers is committed to identifying, challenging and addressing racism and racial inequality in all aspects of Chambers’ work.
We recognise that racism operates both at an interpersonal level (through bias and discrimination between individuals) and at a structural level, through systems, practices and norms that can entrench inequality. Addressing racism requires sustained commitment, reflection and action.
We are committed to collecting and reviewing relevant data to identify inequalities and to taking appropriate steps to address them. We seek to engage actively with the experiences, concerns and needs of our members, staff, pupils and both professional and lay clients in relation to race.
In particular, we pay close attention to race equality across the following areas of Chambers’ activity:
Recruitment of pupils, tenants and staff
Career development and progression
Allocation of work
Monitoring of earnings
Governance of Chambers
Protection against harassment and discrimination
Whistleblowing protections
Sanctions for misconduct
Education and training
Marketing and social activities
Review and development of Chambers’ policies
Our aim is to foster a culture of equity in which racial discrimination is not tolerated and where fairness, respect and inclusion are actively promoted.
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Please visit the links below for our equality and diversity policies:
CLOISTERS DATA PROTECTION POLICY
WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY
PRIVATE FUNDING
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We are committed to making reasonable adjustments where required. This applies to:
Clients
Staff
Pupils
Tenants
Candidates for employment, pupillage and tenancy
Other visitors
Requests for reasonable adjustments are treated sensitively and confidentially, and Chambers will work with individuals to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place wherever reasonably possible.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Cloisters Chambers is committed to acting responsibly as a set of chambers, both in the work we undertake and in how we operate. Our approach to social responsibility reflects our values, our professional obligations and our belief that the Bar has an important role to play in supporting fairness, access to justice and inclusion.
Our work in this area is focused on equality, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility and accessibility.
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Members of Chambers undertake pro bono work across a range of areas, supporting individuals who may otherwise struggle to access legal representation. This includes work through established pro bono schemes and charitable organisations.
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Cloisters Chambers is proud of its continued commitment to access to justice, pro bono work and charitable initiatives. Members and staff regularly support a range of fundraising and community efforts, including participation in events such as the London Legal Walk and fundraising in support of organisations such as Bridging the Bar.
Most recently, Chambers raised £1,100 for the London Legal Support Trust and £928.45 for Bridging the Bar, reflecting our belief in using the law as a force for good and in supporting initiatives that strengthen the wider legal community.
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As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage those from non-traditional backgrounds to consider a career at the Bar, we can offer work experience opportunities.
accessibility
Cloisters Chambers is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to clients, members, staff and visitors.
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Cloisters Chambers is committed to ensuring that our premises and services are accessible to all.
Our reception area and conference rooms are fully accessible from our main entrance in Elm Court. Where required, parking arrangements can be discussed in advance for solicitors and clients with limited mobility.
We are happy to discuss any access requirements or reasonable adjustments and encourage individuals to contact Chambers in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Requests are handled sensitively and confidentially.
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We are committed to making reasonable adjustments where required. This applies to:
Clients
Staff
Pupils
Tenants
Candidates for employment, pupillage and tenancy
Other visitors
Requests for reasonable adjustments are treated sensitively and confidentially, and Chambers will work with individuals to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place wherever reasonably possible.