Outreach

PEBA’s outreach work

PEBA is committed to playing its part in supporting and encouraging diversity at, and access to, the Bar. It does this through both support for its members’ own endeavours and its support of the Planning and Public Law Mentoring Scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar, which was set up by 5 sets in 2021 (Cornerstone, Field Court Chambers, Francis Taylor Building, Kings Chambers and Landmark Chambers).  The scheme is intended to encourage undergraduates and postgraduates from groups that are not well represented at the Bar to consider becoming barristers. These underrepresented groups include women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.  The scheme is now in its second year, with the 5 founder sets having been joined by Falcon Chambers.  For more details please see: https://cornerstonebarristers.com/join/mentoring/

 

PEBA’s work in this field is underpinned by its adopted equality and diversity policy.

 

Other organisations who are interested in partnering with PEBA to support diversity and access to the Bar, should contact the PEBA Administrator.“

Pro bono legal services

PEBA’s members also support access to the Bar’s professional services, for those who might otherwise be unable to afford them, through pro bono work.  Pro bono work is work done without charging a fee. Many of the barristers who are members of PEBA are registered with organisations and charities whose aim is to help people with problems in the town and country planning and environmental law fields.

PEBA encourages and supports its members’ involvement in pro bono work. The Handbook refers to some of the many organisations for which our members undertake pro bono work: they are Advocate (formerly known as the Bar Pro Bono Unit) and the Environmental Law Foundation – but individual members also undertake work for or through a number of other organisations, including Friends of the Earth and the Good Law Project. In addition, a number of our members are legal volunteers for the charities Planning Aid for London or Planning Aid Wales.

Work for all these organisations can range from giving legal advice by telephone or email, to appearing at public inquiries.

Planning Aid

For those who require planning advice, there is a network of Planning Aid services available across the country (organised by the RTPI). Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional help, advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. See the Planning Aid website for details.

The Environmental Law Foundation

The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is a charity that has a number of barristers and solicitors, including some members of the Association, who are willing to provide a free initial advice in relation to environmental (including planning) problems, by means of an individual licence under the Licensed Access scheme. This service is available to private individuals, community organisations and similar bodies. For further information, visit the ELF Website.