Upholding Our Values: The Inner Temple Code of Conduct

Since the Report was published, the four Inns of Court have been working both collectively and independently, and with the Bar Council, to consider and implement the recommendations relevant to our work and culture. One of the Review’s recommendations was that “the standards of behaviour relating to bullying, harassment and sexual harassment must be clear and consistent across the profession.” In response, the four Inns agreed a shared set of principles for conduct that reflect the values expected across the Inns of Court. Building on those principles, the governing board of the Inn, Bench Table, has approved a new Code of Conduct for all members of The Inner Temple, together with accompanying Guidance on Positive Behaviours and Potentially Unacceptable Conduct.

The introduction of the Code represents an important milestone in the Inn’s continuing commitment to maintaining a professional, respectful and welcoming community. While prompted by the Harman Review, the Code is not simply a response to one report. Rather, it reflects the principles that have long underpinned life at The Inner Temple and brings together, in one place, the standards of behaviour that members, students, staff and visitors should be able to expect throughout the Inn.

At its heart, The Inner Temple is a collegiate community founded on mutual respect, integrity, courtesy and professionalism. These values have shaped the Inn for centuries and remain essential to supporting an independent Bar that reflects the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. The new Code articulates these expectations clearly and consistently, helping to ensure that every member of our community can participate fully and confidently in the life of the Inn.

The Code applies to all members of the Inn, irrespective of seniority or status. It covers conduct connected with the Inn in all its forms, including educational activities, dining, social events, committee meetings and communications through digital and online platforms.

The scope of the Code may also extend, where appropriate, to conduct occurring outside the Inn where that conduct may affect the safety, wellbeing, dignity or reputation of others, or where another professional body may exercise regulatory jurisdiction.

It is important to note, however, that the Code does not replace or override existing statutory, regulatory or professional obligations. Instead, it complements those obligations by setting out the behavioural standards expected within The Inner Temple community.

Standards of Conduct

The main standards of the Code are set out below. Members of the Inn are expected to:

1. Promote an inclusive, welcoming, collaborative and supportive environment, recognising and valuing equality and diversity in accordance with the Equality Act 2010;
2. Treat all individuals with dignity, fairness, courtesy and respect;
3. Act in a manner which upholds the reputation and values of the Inn, the profession, the administration of justice and the rule of law;
4. Abide by an express prohibition on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and sexual misconduct;
5. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in relationships;
6. Be mindful of actual or perceived power and influence imbalances;
7. Avoid conduct which may be regarded as intimidating, humiliating, degrading, hostile, abusive or offensive;
8. Behave responsibly and professionally at events particularly where alcohol is served;
9. Take appropriate action to challenge, report or otherwise address unacceptable or potentially unacceptable conduct;
10. Abide by the barristers’ duty to report serious misconduct to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) in accordance with the current BSB Handbook;
11. Under no circumstances victimise those who have reported concerns regarding behaviour;
12. Adhere to all relevant Inn policies, including the Bench Table Orders, the Volunteer & Participant Code, the Equality and Diversity Policy and the Inns of Court Anti-Harassment Policy.

The accompanying Guidance has been developed to provide practical assistance in understanding how these principles apply in everyday interactions. It includes examples of positive behaviours that contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment, alongside examples of conduct that may be considered unacceptable.

Unacceptable conduct may occur in person, in writing, online, by telephone or through social media or other electronic communications.

Further details of these expectations are provided in the Code.

The accompanying Guidance has been developed to provide practical assistance in understanding how these principles apply in everyday interactions. It includes examples of positive behaviours that contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment, alongside examples of conduct that may be considered unacceptable. The purpose is not to prescribe every eventuality, but to encourage considerate and professional engagement between members.

Perhaps the most important point to emphasise is that the Code is not about creating new rules for their own sake. Rather, it brings together expectations that many members will already recognise as fundamental to the culture of the Inn. By setting these standards out clearly, the Code promotes consistency, transparency and shared understanding across our diverse membership.

Perhaps the most important point to emphasise is that the Code is not about creating new rules for their own sake. Rather, it brings together expectations that many members will already recognise as fundamental to the culture of the Inn.

The strength of The Inner Temple has always rested on more than its buildings, traditions or history. It rests on the quality of its community and the relationships between those who learn, practise and work within it. A culture founded on dignity, respect and collegiality benefits everyone – from students attending their first Qualifying Session, to junior practitioners developing their careers, to Benchers, guests and members of staff who contribute to the life of the Inn every day. By embracing these standards, we reaffirm the values that have long defined The Inner Temple and demonstrate our collective commitment to ensuring that the Inn remains a welcoming, inclusive and professional community for all.

We encourage all members to take a few moments to read the Code of Conduct and accompanying Guidance, which are available on The Inner Temple website: innertemple.org.uk/who-we-are/how-we-operate/policy-statements/code-of-conduct. Familiarity with the Code will help ensure that we continue to foster an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

If you have any questions about the Code or its application, please contact the Sub-Treasurer, Greg Dorey CVO at subtreasurer@innertemple.org.uk

Greg Dorey CVO
Sub-Treasurer

For the Inn’s Complaints Policy Complaints:
innertemple.org.uk/who-we-are/
how-we-operate/policy-statements/complaints