BARMARK

Do you want your chambers to stand out from the crowd? Does the nature of your work indicate that BARMARK is going to give you a competitive edge? If so, you may welcome guidance and support from someone who has been working with the BARMARK standard since its launch in 1999.

Through her previous employment with British Standards Institution (BSI), Hilary Estall has audited numerous BARMARK systems. Now running her own consultancy business, Hilary continues to support chambers which are seeking to achieve this coveted award.  Her experience means that she is excellently placed to provide advice and guidance to chambers, many of which have not undergone an audit before.

If your chambers are considering applying for BARMARK, you should first assess your existing arrangements and determine your state of readiness. It’s worth investing in this review in order to be clear about the amount of work and resource which will be required to achieve the BARMARK standard. Having this information allows you to move forward and place attention where it is most needed.

Depending on the outcome of this review (otherwise known as a Gap Analysis), implementation of your BARMARK arrangements is likely to take between three and six months. You will also need to allow sufficient time once any new procedures are in place, for them to be embedded into chambers so that staff and members become familiar with them.

Hilary will work with you and help you develop your BARMARK system to suit your way of working. Every set of chambers is made up of a unique group of members and staff and this is reflected in how you develop your BARMARK system.

BARMARK Case Study

APEX Chambers, Cardiff

BARMARK Services Offered:

BARMARK Gap Analysis

This on site review will consider how chambers currently operate and how this compares to the requirements of BARMARK. Through a detailed report, chambers will have a clear route map to what needs to be achieved in order to meet the exacting BARMARK standard.

The Gap Analysis may be undertaken as a precursor to BARMARK implementation or as a stand alone assessment for chambers' information.
 

 BARMARK system implementation and support
 
Based on the level of support required by chambers, Hilary will work with you to assess where attention is required and develop the procedures and   processes necessary to meet the standard. In order to gain maximum benefit from this programme, chambers should identify suitable resource responsible for ensuring the changes are implemented effectively within chambers.

 
BARMARK Pre audit

Once the implementation programme is complete, a pre audit may be undertaken in order to review how effectively all chambers procedures and practices are working. This practical review will assess how well chambers have adopted new processes as well as bought into the BARMARK ethos, through the provision of a detailed report.
  
BARMARK system maintenance

Chambers are responsible for maintaining their BARMARK systems. Maintenance includes carrying out periodical reviews and audits of procedures and processes. For those chambers which prefer to retain a level of independence with their audits, Hilary will carry these out on your behalf, along with other change reviews required by chambers, thus ensuring that you are prepared for the annual, third party audit.
 

If you would like to know more about what is involved in developing a compliant BARMARK system and how best to prepare for the auditors, please contact Hilary Estall at enquiries@pslinfo.co.uk