Multi-document guide to help identify, assess and manage client vulnerabilities in line with good practice
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) this week published a comprehensive guide to assist barristers working with vulnerable immigration clients.
The guide is split across ten separate documents - comprising a main guidance document, seven factsheets and two annexes - and you can access it here.
In the main 40-page guidance document, BSB says the aim is to help immigration barristers identify, assess and manage client vulnerabilities in line with good practice. It will also support barristers to meet their regulatory obligations under the BSB Handbook and the Professional Statement for Barristers, as well as their legislative duties, including under the Equality Act 2010 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Across six sections, the main document sets out to help barristers understand every stage of an immigration client's journey, including identifying their legal need, choosing a provider, receiving legal advice and/or representation, and following up on the information they receive.
Seven short individual factsheets focus on specific topics and BSB says these can be utilised when identifying, assessing and managing client vulnerability. The facsheets cover:
- Enabling access to your service
- Identifying and assessing vulnerable clients and their needs
- Identifying victims of trafficking
- Issues to consider in relation to court proceedings
- Client care and communication
- Issues with mental capacity
- Dealing with vulnerable immigration clients (for clerks and practice managers)
Two additional annexes provide links to useful contacts and resources.
BSB Director of Strategy and Policy Ewen MacLeod said: "This online resource is part of our response to some of the risks associated with immigration and asylum work. Assessing and managing vulnerability are essential to improving the consumer experience. We hope this resource will help barristers to adopt good practice when working with vulnerable immigration clients."
BSB's Immigration Thematic Review of 2016 recommend that efforts be made to improve access to justice for consumers of immigration legal services and the quality of services provided to them.