Addressing underreporting with a more effective solution

Before Spot, the Bar Council used a helpline for barristers to report any issues they were facing at work. Because of fear of repercussions, there was concern some barristers might fear using this helpline. So they set out to find a tool that would encourage reporting. As they openly state, “No one should be made to feel uncomfortable at work because of inappropriate behavior and the Bar Council is committed to tackling this problem.” They needed a safe, anonymous way for barristers to report incidents and, in 2018, they found Spot.

Empowering the Bar Council with customizable features to fit their needs

Spot’s customizable features have empowered the Bar Council to adapt the platform to fit the unique needs of barristers. They leveraged this flexibility to create dedicated channels, such as one for health and safety concerns during COVID-19, and more recently to encourage anonymous submissions to an ongoing independent review into bullying & harassment. They also tailored the platform’s language and structure to their specific legal environment.

How Spot has shaped new trainings

Sam and her team are committed to a supportive and inclusive culture for barristers. They’re not afraid to speak up and work tirelessly to shape a more inclusive future for the profession. Spot has played a crucial role in this mission, providing a steady flow of insights that inform strategic interventions:

“The reports we receive via Spot are a useful source of intelligence on what’s happening across the bar, enabling me to tailor interventions. Whether it’s training, research, or just a campaign to raise awareness of where things aren’t going well, the data is invaluable.”

Thanks to Spot, Sam can design specialized training programs to tackle issues such as harassment or inadequate communications, and provide barristers with the resources they need. This ensures a progressive and resilient environment.

Handling escalated cases with confidence

The Bar Council is a representative body. Most reports they receive via Spot are used to gain insights into the workplace environment and address day-to-day concerns. Occasionally, reports require further investigation and intervention, including transfer to the regulator—with the permission of the reporter—which can investigate and sanction barristers. For Sam Mercer and her team, Spot has proven critical in documenting these more serious cases, providing a reliable framework for handling problematic behavior when necessary.

Spot's detailed records play a critical role in these escalated cases. From the start, the intake process guides reporters to document issues with precision, resulting in thorough initial reports that can be used later to support timely, comprehensive investigations by others. As Sam explains:

“In the minority of cases that need escalation, it’s a valuable tool for identifying and dealing with unlawful or unacceptable behavior.”

The ability to keep a comprehensive, cumulative record supports the Bar Council and others in effectively addressing serious incidents, while safeguarding both individuals and the profession.

A trusted partner in building a safer legal profession

Spot has proven to be a game-changer in tackling workplace challenges and improving the well-being of barristers.

By providing a secure, anonymous space for reporting, Spot has made it easier for barristers to speak up. The platform's flexibility enables the Bar Council to adapt it to the profession’s unique needs, from customizing interview flows to supporting serious cases with confidence.

With Spot, the Bar Council continues to build a more inclusive legal community, reinforcing its commitment to justice and integrity.