Make Wellbeing a Habit, Not an Optional Extra

We all recognise that the journey to pupillage is a difficult one and starts some years prior to taking up the role. This can lead to pressure on individuals to get it right, and to strive for perfection, in the face of competition and the hard work they have undertaken to reach that milestone in their careers.

There are several things that the Inn can do to help:

1. Provide a safe space for pupils to meet fellow pupils across the profession to exchange views and feedback, and to obtain support from one another.
2. Provide practical training to help pupils progress and feel much more comfortable and ready to conduct their own cases and advocacy when they are in their second six and beyond.
3. Provide specific wellbeing support and signposting for pupils who want to discuss issues they may face in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, with follow ups where necessary, to ensure that a pupil is able to thrive.

Notwithstanding the fact that we have a specific Master of Wellbeing, I have three examples which I hope will provide pupils with assurance that the Inn takes their wellbeing very seriously indeed.

1. A pupil who faced real difficulty in terms of pupillage “bullying” and failings in their pupillage reached out through a Pupil Ambassador. With my and our Education and Training Department’s support, and the support of other Benchers at the Inn, we helped them navigate a safe exit from their pupillage, provided regular emotional and practical support, and supported them thereafter to apply for and obtain another role where they are thriving. This took several months of coordinated help. That individual has provided several updates which show that they are now thriving and are progressing in a structured supportive environment elsewhere.
2. Two other pupils faced difficulties when their pupillage offers were withdrawn through no fault of their own. The Inn was able to assist on these occasions in providing emotional support at a time of real uncertainty and stress as well as practical assistance in terms of COIC matched funding for one individual who was able to obtain a pupillage elsewhere.
3. We offer Wellbeing Drop-in Sessions at each of the pupil advocacy weekends for pupils to spend 25 minutes with me discussing, in confidence, any issues – work or otherwise – that they are finding difficult or want to discuss. This has enabled them to understand that they are not alone, and we have been able to provide practical and emotional signposting for them. I have received feedback from many of those who I have seen, which has shown that the simple act of speaking to someone else about these issues has really made a difference. I would encourage anyone, pupil or otherwise, to reach out to us if you find yourself in difficulty.

We all have our professional homes, be that Chambers or an employed environment. They can provide a wealth of support and camaraderie, but the Inn provides real collegiate support for everyone. I have been a member of The Inner Temple for nearly 30 years, from university student to Master of the Bench, and have found it so friendly, approachable and practically useful. There are so many moving parts of the Inn staffed by brilliant individuals all pulling together with one aim: to make any member’s experience of life at the Bar a positive one. Whilst any of us might change our practice area, our practice location or have breaks from our career from time to time, the Inn is a home for life wherever your career takes you.

Do not leave wellbeing until it becomes a crisis. We have accountants, and insurance, and attend continuing professional development courses to ensure our practice thrives and is up to date. We don’t leave any of those to chance because we know that they are a vital part of career success. So too is wellbeing. If you are not functioning emotionally or physically you cannot do your job to the best of your ability. Wellbeing is just as important in terms of progression and development and I would encourage everyone, from pupil onwards, to develop that attitude from the outset to ensure you really do have a successful and long career at the Bar. Make wellbeing a habit, not an optional extra.