International Policy and Programme Officer

The Bar Council represents over 18,000 barristers in England and Wales. It promotes the Bar’s high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services; fair access to justice for all; the highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession; and the development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.

The Bar Council is the governing body and the Approved Regulator for the Bar of England and Wales. It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board.

The Bar Council is recruiting an International Policy and Programme Officer to join its International team. Eo with the supervision of the Head of International, to (i) lead on developing and delivering key Bar Council project work and to promote the international interests of the Bar (ii) supporting project work and carrying out administrative tasks to support the work of the Bar Council international team (iii) supporting the Ethical Enquiries Service by answering ethical enquiries.

You will need a flexible approach and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities. The role involves infrequent international travel and may require work outside of normal office hours including at weekends. infrequent travel internationally as required; including work outside of core hours and at weekends as required)

You will be responsible for;

Supporting the planning and delivery of international visits and events to develop opportunities for the Bar’s international practice and advance its interests, working closely with the International Policy and Programme Manager , Head of International and committee members.

Developing and delivering the presence of the Bar Council at international conferences to raise the profile of the Bar, the jurisdiction of England and Wales and the Bar Council, with support of the International Policy and Programme Manager Head of International.

Carrying out administrative tasks to support the delivery of the Bar Council’s international work programme.

We are looking for a candidate with experience of working on policy issues, , running programmes, building networks and stakeholder management.

For full details of the role, please refer to the job description.

In return the Bar Council offers excellent terms and conditions of employment, including:

• 27 days annual leave (Prorated for Part Time employees)
• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to discounts at 100s of retailers through our Member Benefits portal
• Life Cover and more

All candidates are required to apply online with a CV and Cover Letter. Candidates are strongly advised to address the essential criteria as specified in the person specification.

Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact .

The Bar Council is part of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role will be guaranteed an interview under this scheme.

Closing Date: 9th October 2026

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

The Bar Council aims to recruit a talented workforce and values the diversity in background, skills and experience of its staff. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all job applicants irrespective of race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, maternity or pregnancy, marital or civil partnership status or gender re-assignment.

The independent, practicing Bar of England and Wales is more than 16,500 strong and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of government accountability under law and vindication of legal rights through the courts.

A strong and independent Bar exists to serve the public. As specialists, independent advocates, barristers enable people to uphold their legal rights, often acting on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society.

The Bar makes a vital contribution to the efficient and effective operation of criminal and civil courts. It provides a pool of talent, from increasingly diverse backgrounds, from which a significant proportion of the judiciary is drawn, and on whose independence the rule of law and our democratic way of life depends.

Telephone: 020 7611 4699

Email: HRCentralMailbox@BarCouncil.org.uk