The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has launched a root-and-branch review of the Bar Vocational Course (BVC), the body announced today (2 November).

The review, which will re-evaluate the objectives and implementation of BVC, will be handled by a 12-member working party chaired by Falcon Chambers tenant Derek Wood QC.

The working party will examine whether the current BVC is fit for purpose and will make recommendations on issues including future content, the minimum academic requirements for entry to the course, teaching standards, pass marks, assessment methods and cost.

Diversity and the transferability of the resulting qualification are also due for consideration, with the working party expected to publish its conclusions next summer.

News of the review comes with Lord Neuberger's closely-watched report on diversity and access to the Bar due to unveil its findings by the end of November, with issues under consideration including the introduction of competency tests for applicants.

Announcing the review, BSB chair Ruth Evans said: "We know the current course arouses many different, highly-charged views. This review is a critical component of our work to ensure the Bar is of the highest quality and fit to serve the public interest and the interests of justice in the years ahead."

Wood, a property litigation specialist who was called to the Bar in 1964 and took silk in 1978, added: "I look forward to undertaking, with my review group colleagues, a searching examination of what sort of BVC is needed for the next decade."

The BSB review follows similar moves by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which earlier this year launched a consultation on the training of solicitors that saw a number of changes to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) proposed.

Recommendations made included separating the electives from the compulsory elements of the LPC and granting exemptions from certain parts of the course that would cut its overall length by several months.

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