Jacqui Adams appointed Vice-Chair of the BSB’s Independent Decision-making Body
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has appointed Jacqui Adams as the new Vice-Chair of its Independent Decision-making Body (IDB), strengthening the leadership of the independent panel responsible for making key regulatory decisions concerning barristers in England and Wales.
The appointment was announced on 3 July 2026. Adams has served as an Independent Panel member of the IDB since 2021 and brings experience from a range of regulatory bodies. She has also led service transformation work across the NHS and social care sector following her career as an occupational therapist.
The IDB was established in October 2019, replacing the Professional Conduct Committee. It operates independently when deciding how the regulator should proceed in cases involving potential breaches of the BSB Handbook by barristers. Its responsibilities include determining whether matters should be referred to a Disciplinary Tribunal, resolved under the Determination by Consent process, dealt with through an administrative sanction, or dismissed where there is insufficient evidence of a breach.
The body is made up of a pool of barristers and lay members. Its decision-making panels always have a lay majority, reflecting the BSB’s approach to independent oversight of regulatory matters. Individual cases are considered by small panels to ensure decisions are reached efficiently while maintaining independence.
Commenting on the appointment, Steve Haines, Interim Director General of the BSB, said he was pleased to welcome Adams as the IDB’s new Vice-Chair following her previous years of service with the body. He added that he looked forward to her continuing to uphold the IDB’s efficiency and effectiveness when making independent decisions on regulatory issues.
The appointment follows recent leadership changes within the IDB. In June 2026, the BSB announced the appointment of Christy Burzio, with Adams now joining the leadership team as Vice-Chair. Together, they will help oversee the work of the independent body responsible for regulatory decision-making on behalf of the BSB.
The BSB regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. Through the Independent Decision-making Body, it seeks to ensure that regulatory decisions are made independently, fairly and in accordance with the standards set out in the BSB Handbook.