BDABar Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Team

BDABar has an ambition to advocate for, resource and showcase the opportunities at the Bar for disabled and able-bodied aspiring barristers. Not only do we firmly say ‘nothing about us, without us’ - disabled people’s voices and experiences must be represented within this vision. But we want to ensure that our strategy matches our ambition. That’s why EDI matters.

Whether you’re disabled or an ally, thinking about becoming a barrister or decades into your career, join us in improving access to the Bar.

What terminology does BDABar use?

We welcome everyone regardless of how they describe themselves. Some people use the ‘social model’ to describe themselves as ‘a disabled person’, whereas some use ‘person-first’ terms such as ‘a person with a disability’.

As an organisation, we will use the social model to inform our approach as it demonstrates that it is the barriers created and reinforced by our society that disable us. These systemic and institutional barriers can be described as ‘disablism’, or ‘discrimination or prejudice against disabled people’, and ‘ableism’ which identifies ‘discrimination in favour of non-disabled people’. Some may use each term separately, whilst others use them interchangeably. For BDABar, it is fundamental to name these experiences, particularly when combined with other structural issues including (but not limited to) racism, classism and ageism.

Not everyone will use the same terms or have the same experiences. However, we have common goals: to invest in the current and future disabled members of the Bar; and to play our part in ensuring that the Bar is an inclusive profession. 

What does EDI mean to BDABar?

At BDABar, EDI stands for equity, diversity and inclusion. ‘Equity’ recognises that disabled people may have different opportunities and barriers based on their identity and experiences. We will incorporate the framework of ‘intersectionality’ (as coined by Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw) within this approach. ‘Diversity’ alone cannot achieve equitable outcomes, but it can help to ensure that we move beyond one-dimensional views of what disability looks like at the Bar. ‘Inclusion’ is not just about feeling included, but it is a way of measuring practices to achieve equitable outcomes which meet the needs of our diverse communities.

What is BDABar planning for its EDI work?

Our Head of EDI Strategy is working on a strategy for BDABar’s internal and external approach to improving accessibility across the profession. There will be opportunities for stakeholders and supporters to feed into this strategy. In the initial phase, BDABar will be gathering insight into the current approach to EDI across the Bar. This page will be updated with a strategic plan in the coming months.

Interested?

If you are interested in volunteering with us to assist with our EDI strategy or discussing opportunities to work together, please contact our Head of EDI Strategy, Maria Munir.