Board members will play a vital role in shaping the future of the legal profession as it faces rapid changes
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is on the lookout for four new members to join its board, including a Lay Board Member and three Barrister Members. These appointments are crucial as the BSB embarks on a wide-ranging Reform Programme and finalises its five-year strategy, which will guide the organisation’s priorities through to 2030.
The legal services sector is undergoing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving expectations regarding service delivery. As the BSB continues to lead in maintaining high professional standards, it remains committed to promoting equality and access to justice in this shifting landscape.
The recruitment process aims to strengthen the board with individuals who can navigate these changes with a keen eye for governance. For the Lay Board Member role, the BSB is particularly interested in candidates with substantial board-level experience or equivalent expertise in complex organisations. A background in higher education or professional qualification pathways that lead to a licence to practise would be advantageous. Successful candidates will need to bring strong analytical abilities, sound judgement, and the capacity to work under public scrutiny, while distinguishing between governance and management responsibilities.
For the three Barrister Board Members, the BSB seeks practising barristers who are well-versed in the profession’s regulatory framework. While experience with regulatory processes is desirable, the board is especially keen to bring in professionals who can contribute constructive challenges, offer insights from the frontlines of legal practice, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Applications are encouraged from barristers practising outside of London, as well as from those within the publicly funded Bar.
The BSB is committed to ensuring diversity within the profession it oversees, actively welcoming candidates from all backgrounds, communities, and experiences. The board firmly believes in reflecting the diversity of both the legal profession and the public it serves.
Each board member role offers remuneration of £10,000, requiring a time commitment of approximately two days per month. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, 27 February 2026.
For more details on the positions and how to apply, visit the BSB’s official recruitment pages for the Lay Board Member and Barrister Board Member roles.