Solicitors are the most trusted of the white-collar professions, according to a survey carried out for the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

An online poll of over 2,000 people by You Gov showed 17% trusted solicitors, beating barristers who were trusted by 13%.

Estate agents and politicians came bottom, with 1%, followed by bankers on 2% and journalists with 3%. Accountants were trusted by 14%.

However, over half (57%) did not trust any of those professions, including solicitors and barristers.

The BSB also announced changes to its complaints-handling system, including the appointment of an independent observer to monitor it.

Alan Baines, a chartered accountant who is currently chairman of a £100m annual revenue healthcare business in the NHS, will take up the new job.

Other developments include a telephone information line advising people how to make a complaint, a simpler complaints form and the introduction of more streamlined disciplinary processes.

The changes put into effect the 60 recommendations made in a review carried out by the former complaints commissioner, Rob Behrens in 2007. They are designed to improve the public’s access to an effective disciplinary regime and comply with the requirements of the Legal Services Act 2007.

Ruth Deech, BSB chairwoman, said: ‘I am confident the wide-ranging improvements will meet the challenges of the Legal Services Act and will position the BSB as a highly competent provider of complaints handling up to and beyond the full implementation of the Act in 2011.’