The Bar Standards Board and ILEX Professional Standards have issued a call for research organisations to help carry out an independent review of advocacy in the youth court.

It follows the publication in June of the final report of the Independent Parliamentarians’ Inquiry into the Operation and Effectiveness of the Youth Court, chaired by Lord Carlile of Berriew QC (pictured).

The report recommended that the three main legal regulators should introduce ‘without delay’ a requirement that all lawyers representing children at a police station or in the youth court should be accredited to do so.


The BSB said the review aims to identify and examine the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed for youth court advocates to work effectively.

In a statement it said: ‘The outcome will be an evidence base from which the two regulators can then identify any existing risks within youth court advocacy, and establish what, if any, regulatory action needs to be taken.’

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is not taking part in the project.



The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Friday 22 August 2014. Responses should be sent to research@barstandardsboard.org.uk.

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