ANTI-RACISM AND INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

We at No.8 Chambers acknowledge that racism is the major obstacle to racial equality. In publishing an anti-racism and inclusivity statement we recognise that anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism in its many forms, by changing the systems, policies and practices, structures, attitudes, and cultures which inhibit racial equality.

One of the core duties placed upon barristers is not to discriminate unlawfully against any person. We are concerned with the administration of justice and fair access to justice for all. Discrimination, in all its forms, is wholly inconsistent with the principals of fairness and justice.

The Bar Standards Board as the regulator for the Bar of England and Wales has published its own Anti Racists Statement. That important document recognises that throughout history, law and regulation have been shaped by campaigns against injustice, that in the UK, this includes the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, brought about by community campaigning which led to the Macpherson Inquiry, after the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, and that the Black Lives Matter movement in the US and UK has impressed on us all the need for cultural and structural change. We recognise the role all organisations can play in challenging racism and in delivering antiracist practice.

As an organisation and as importantly, as individuals, we recognise the need to take personal responsibility in creating an inclusive working environment. No.8 Chambers is committed to the creation of an anti-racist, inclusive workplace and community that welcomes diversity along a number of dimensions, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity and national origins, gender and gender identity, sexuality, disability status, class, age, or religious beliefs. We recognise the role all organisations can play in challenging racism and delivering antiracist practice. We have considered our approach and we state here our commitment to influence positive change, by assessing our own internal culture and commitment to anti-racism, and to lead by example.