Wellbeing at the Bar Certificate

Wellbeing Policy:

A policy is in place which aims to promote wellbeing and mental health initiatives.

Support:

Staff and barristers have a confidential platform to discuss any professional matters or any private concerns that they may wish to share with someone. To facilitate this:

• Keating has a designated deputy Head of Chambers who holds monthly surgeries for barristers and staff to discuss any concerns or simply have a chat. The CEO also holds a surgery for barristers every Wednesday morning.
• The CEO notifies all staff that there is an open-door policy to discuss any concerns they may have. Chambers also supports flexible working options to allow barristers and staff to achieve an optimum balance between their personal and professional lives.

Mental Health Training:

• Members of the reception team and senior members of the clerking team have undertaken mental health first aid training which has helped them become more knowledgeable around supporting mental health issues of their colleagues.

Health and Nutrition:

• A certified nutritionist has run two lunchtime talks on nutrition in the workplace and the best foods for a good night’s sleep.
• There is a twice-weekly fruit order for barristers and all staff to maintain wellbeing.

Physical Health/Wellbeing:

• A running club at lunchtimes has prompted staff and barristers to run the London half marathon together
• A weekly Pilates classes is offered
• There are ‘seated massage’ sessions to relieve stress and muscle tension
• Chambers has a netball team which participates in a league, introduced 5-a-side football matches and tournament

Members found the Pilates sessions relaxing – helping physical and mental wellbeing (reduced stress, improved concentration and focus). Sport activities and massages were popular and helped to relieve aches and pains associated with sitting in chairs and working on computers for long periods of time.