Commenting on the tribunal findings, Sam Townend KC, Chair of the Bar, said:
“Serious and inappropriate professional misconduct of a sexual nature was made out against Jo Sidhu KC. The type of behaviour described by the tribunal is completely unacceptable at the Bar. Even though the tribunal found some aspects did not constitute professional misconduct, they found the behaviours to be reprehensible.
“All three complainants were believed by the tribunal. We recognise how difficult it is to come forward to report sexual misconduct and it has taken great bravery for the complainants to make their reports and give evidence. It is incumbent on others, particularly senior barristers, who witness these behaviours to step up and report serious misconduct they have observed.
“Unfortunately, this case has taken two years from initial complaints to resolution – too long a time for everyone involved in such a serious case. I call on the Bar Standards Board to focus their efforts on efficient and timely enforcement. Any lessons that can be learned will feed into the ongoing independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar, led by Baroness Harman KC.”
Support on bullying and harassment
In this case, Talk to Spot – the Bar Council’s confidential tool for recording incidents of harassment – gave the complainants a way to raise their concerns safely and securely until the time they felt able to make formal reports to the BSB. The Bar Council strongly encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any other forms of inappropriate behaviour, to report these incidents if they feel able to. Talk to Spot is a confidential and anonymous tool available 24/7 on the Bar Council website for barristers and all those who work in chambers to raise their concerns.
Support for the Bar is also available via the Bar Council’s equality and diversity helpline, the free 24/7 assistance programme, and LawCare – the mental health charity for the legal profession.
Talk to Spot: use Talk to Spot to anonymously and confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate and abusive behaviour. Find out more about Talk to Spot.
Speak to the Bar Council: email the equality and diversity team in confidence for support and advice about bullying, harassment or sexual harassment issues.
Call the Assistance Programme: available to everyone working in and around the Bar. The programme is run by Health Assured and provides fully funded, confidential support. Call 0800 169 2040. Visit the wellbeing at the Bar website.
Get in touch with LawCare: the mental health charity for the legal sector. Volunteers provide free and confidential emotional support. The helpline is open 9am to 5pm every weekday (except bank holidays). Call 0800 279 6888 or visit the LawCare website.