Gray’s InnFour Inns of Court and General Council of the Bar

This form must be completed in BLOCK CAPITALS by every applicant for admission to an Inn of Court.

SECTION 1Please give your full name as shown on your passport.

Title:       Forenames:      

Surname:      

Correspondence Address:      

Postcode:     

Permanent Home Address:      

Postcode:     

Telephone number:       Name and address of next of kin:      

Postcode:     

Telephone number:     

Mobile Phone number:      

Email Address:      

Date of Birth:      

Nationality:      

SECTION 2 UK AND REPUBLIC OF IRELAND QUALIFICATIONS

(1) Law DegreeIf you have, or expect to have, a law degree conferred by a University in the UK or Republic of Ireland, please complete this section.

Institution Degree & Subject Class Date Awarded

                       

Internal External

(2) Other Undergraduate DegreeIf you originally studied a non-law degree, complete this section.

Institution Degree & Subject Class Date Awarded                       

Internal External

(3) CPE or Postgraduate Diploma in LawIf you hold, or expect to hold, a CPE or Postgraduate Diploma in Law, please complete this section.

Institution Degree & Subject Class Date Awarded                       

(4) Higher QualificationsIf you hold or are studying for a higher / non-standard qualification (e.g. MA / LLM), please complete this section.

Institution Degree & Subject Class Date Awarded                       

ADMITTED (Inns use only) ADMISSION No. (Inns use only)

Please enter below the details of your Certificate of Academic Standing

Certificate Number Date of Issue           

SECTION 3 QUALIFICATIONS GAINED OUTSIDE THE UK OR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

(1) If you have a degree conferred by a University outside the UK or Republic of Ireland, please complete this section.

Institution Degree & Subject Class Date Awarded                       

Please enter below the details of your Certificate of Academic Standing

Certificate Number Date of Issue           

(2) Set out below the GCE, GCSE, British Council or equivalent English Language qualification(s) you hold.

Examining Body Level Grade Date Awarded                       

SECTION 4 MATURE STUDENTS

If you are applying as a mature student please enter details of any qualifications you hold, e.g. GCSE, GCSE O’ Levels and A’ Levels, GNVQs or equivalents, passes in professional examinations and / or any membership of professional bodies.

Type of Qualification /Professional Body

Subject Grade Year

                       

SECTION 5 THE ADMISSION OF QUALIFIED LEGAL PRACTITIONERS

Decision date of the Bar Standards Board’s Qualifications Committee:

     

SECTION 6 (to be completed by all applicants)

Do you intend to practise at the Bar of England and Wales     

In which academic session do you intend to enrol for the Bar Professional Training Course?

     

At which institution do you intend to study the Bar Professional Training Course?

     

Have you ever applied to another Inn of Court?

If ‘yes’, which Inn, when and what was the outcome?

     

Are you in receipt of a Gray’s Inn Scholarship for the GDL/CPE or BPTC?

     

Signature …………………………………………………. Dated ............../.................../..................

The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn

Admission Declaration

To the Masters of the Bench of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

I, (full names1)     

of (home address)      

Email:      Tel:      

Date of Birth:     

for the purpose of obtaining admission as a member of the Inn do hereby declare and undertake as follows:-

1. My present occupation is      

2. (a) I have never been convicted of any criminal offence2 nor are there any proceedings pending3 against me anywhere in respect of any criminal offence.

(b) I have never been convicted of a disciplinary offence by a professional or regulatory body nor are there any disciplinary proceedings pending against me anywhere in respect of any such offence.

(c) I have never been found guilty of an academic offence by a higher education institution4

2 For this purpose a “criminal offence" means any offence under the criminal law of any jurisdiction except (i) an offence for which liability is capable of being discharged by payment of a fixed penalty; and (ii) an offence which has as its main ingredient the unlawful parking of a vehicle. All convictions which are not spent within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 must be declared. Further all convictions required to be disclosed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 must be declared, even if spent. Further Information on this can be found here: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/bar-professional-training-course/how-to-apply-for-the-bptc/joining-an-inn/3 Proceedings are pending if (i) you are currently charged with, or (ii) you are on bail or in detention or custody (or have failed to surrender to custody) in connection with, any criminal offence.4 If you were found guilty, but subsequently successfully appealed against that finding, there is no need to declare it.

(d) I have never had any bankruptcy order5 debt relief order6, directors disqualification order7 bankruptcy restrictions order8 or debt relief restrictions order made against me nor entered into an individual voluntary arrangement with creditors.

(e) I have not previously been refused admission to or expelled from an Inn.

(f) I do not suffer from serious incapacity due to mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983) nor addiction to alcohol or drugs, nor from any other condition which might impair my fitness to become a practising barrister.9

If any of the statements in paragraph 2 above is incorrect in any respect, please delete the statement as appropriate.

3. Except as disclosed below, I am not aware of any matter which might reasonably be thought to call into question my fitness to become a practising barrister.10

If you delete any of the statements in paragraph 2 above or there is any other matter which might reasonably be thought to call into question your fitness to become a practising barrister, please give details in the box below – use a continuation sheet if necessary and attach supporting documents. (If giving details of a criminal conviction, please ensure you specify the sentence.)

4. I am a disabled person within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 and would like to discuss with the Inn what, if any, reasonable adjustments need to be made to enable me to participate in all aspects of the Inn’s activities.

YES NO5 For this purpose a “bankruptcy order” includes a bankruptcy order made pursuant to the Insolvency Act 1986 and any similar order made in any jurisdiction in the world.6 For this purpose, a “debt relief order” includes a debt relief order made pursuant to the Insolvency Act 1986 and any similar order made in any jurisdiction in the world. 7 For this purpose, a “directors disqualification order” includes a disqualification order made by a court, or disqualification undertaking accepted by the Secretary of State, pursuant to the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 and any similar order or undertaking made or given in any jurisdiction in the world.8 For this purpose, a “bankruptcy restrictions order” includes a bankruptcy restrictions order made by a court or a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking accepted pursuant to the Insolvency Act 1986 and any similar order or undertaking made or given in any jurisdiction in the world.9 If you are a disabled person within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 and are unable to make this declaration, then on application to the Inn consideration will be given as to whether reasonable adjustments can be made.10 This includes any incident or behaviour which if known to the Inn might cause your application to be considered more carefully. If in doubt, disclose the incident/behaviour. Two examples are given by way of illustration but not as limitations on disclosure:

a. Receipt of a police caution.b. A Court injunction or Anti-Social Behaviour Order restricting your conduct.

     

5. If requested by the Inn, I undertake to apply or to assist the Inn in applying to the Criminal Records Bureau for disclosure about me.

6. I undertake that I will inform the Inn immediately if any statement made in this Declaration ceases to be true before I have been admitted to the Inn and while I am an applicant for admission to the Inn.

7. I undertake that while I am a Student member of the Inn:-

(a) I will comply with such regulations as are made by the Inn concerning the conduct and discipline of its Students11;

(b) If and in so far as they apply to me, I will comply with the BSB Handbook;

(c) I will promptly inform the Under Treasurer (or Sub-Treasurer) of the Inn in writing if:

(i) there are proceedings pending against me in respect of a criminal offence or I am convicted of a criminal offence; or

(ii) there are disciplinary proceedings pending against me or I am convicted of a disciplinary offence by a professional or regulatory body; or

(iii) I have a bankruptcy order or director’s disqualification order made against me or enter into an individual voluntary arrangement with creditors; or

(iv) I am found guilty by the course provider of cheating or other misconduct on a Bar Professional Training Course or am found guilty of an academic offence by a higher education institution.

8. I have read and understood the terms of the further Declaration which I will be required to sign before I can be called to the Bar.

9. I will inform the Inn of any change to my name or address.

10. I will commence the Vocational Stage within five years of admission to the Inn and complete that Stage within ten years of admission on the understanding that if I fail to comply with either of those requirements my membership of the Inn will cease on the expiration of either period.

Signature………………………………… Dated ............../............../..............

11 Copies of the Disciplinary Rules and other regulations of the Inn are available for inspection in the Treasury Office.

The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn

Certificate of Good Character

I,(name)      (job title12)      

of (address13)      

Email:       Tel:      

certify that I have known (name of applicant)      

of (address of applicant)      

for       year(s) and that I have had the following opportunities of judging his/her character:

     

I believe the applicant to be of good character and am not aware of any fact about the

applicant which gives me any reason to expect that, if admitted to any of the Inns of Court,

he/she will engage in any conduct which is dishonest or which otherwise renders him/her

unfit to become a practising barrister.

I do not have a close family or personal relationship with the applicant.

I have read the Admission Declaration signed by applicant and dated      

and believe the information given in it to be true.

Signature………………………………… Dated ............../............../..............

12 The maker of the certificate must be a professional person or person of standing in the community.13 Please give your work address and the name of the organisation (if any) by which you are employed.

THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF GRAY’S INN

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT8 SOUTH SQUARE, LONDON WC1R 5ET

Tel: 020 7458 7900 Fax: 020 7458 7937Notes to referees

Individuals applying for membership of The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn are required to provide two Certificates of Good Character from a professional person or person of standing in the community who:

i. has known them for at least twelve months; ii. does not have a close family or personal relationship with them; andiii. has read their admission declaration form

The Inn considers ‘a professional person or person of standing in the community’ to be one of the following (please note that referees must be currently working in one of these roles):

Judge University lecturer Magistrate Officer of the British armed forces Barrister Senior police officer Solicitor Doctor (medical) Member of Parliament Dentist Accountant Senior nurse Secondary school teacher Pharmacist Professor Minister of a recognised religion

The applicant should provide referees with a blank Certificate of Good Character form (only the applicant’s name and contact details may be completed by the applicant) and a copy of their Admission Declaration form.

When completing a certificate of good character please ensure the following information is provided:

Your full name Your job title Your work address (including the name of the organisation for which you work) The name and address of the applicant The number of years you have known the applicant A description of how you know the applicant The date the applicant signed their Admission Declaration form The date you completed the Certificate Your signature

Please return the Certificate of Good Character with the copy of the Admission Declaration form which has been provided to you by the applicant.

Many thanks for your assistance.

The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn

Certificate of Good Character

I,(name)      (job title0)      

of (address0)      

Email:       Tel:      

certify that I have known (name of applicant)      

of (address of applicant)      

for       year(s) and that I have had the following opportunities of judging his/her character:

     

I believe the applicant to be of good character and am not aware of any fact about the

applicant which gives me any reason to expect that, if admitted to any of the Inns of Court,

he/she will engage in any conduct which is dishonest or which otherwise renders him/her

unfit to become a practising barrister.

I do not have a close family or personal relationship with the applicant.

I have read the Admission Declaration signed by applicant and dated      

and believe the information given in it to be true.

Signature………………………………… Dated ............../............../..............

0 The maker of the certificate must be a professional person or person of standing in the community.0 Please give your work address and the name of the organisation (if any) by which you are employed.

THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF GRAY’S INN

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT8 SOUTH SQUARE, LONDON WC1R 5ET

Tel: 020 7458 7900 Fax: 020 7458 7937Notes to referees

Individuals applying for membership of The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn are required to provide two Certificates of Good Character from a professional person or person of standing in the community who:

iv. has known them for at least twelve months; v. does not have a close family or personal relationship with them; andvi. has read their admission declaration form

The Inn considers ‘a professional person or person of standing in the community’ to be one of the following (please note that referees must be currently working in one of these roles):

Judge University lecturer Magistrate Officer of the British armed forces Barrister Senior police officer Solicitor Doctor (medical) Member of Parliament Dentist Accountant Senior nurse Secondary school teacher Pharmacist Professor Minister of a recognised religion

The applicant should provide referees with a blank Certificate of Good Character form (only the applicant’s name and contact details may be completed by the applicant) and a copy of their Admission Declaration form.

When completing a certificate of good character please ensure the following information is provided:

Your full name Your job title Your work address (including the name of the organisation for which you work) The name and address of the applicant The number of years you have known the applicant A description of how you know the applicant The date the applicant signed their Admission Declaration form The date you completed the Certificate Your signature

Please return the Certificate of Good Character with the copy of the Admission Declaration form which has been provided to you by the applicant.

Many thanks for your assistance.

INNS’ EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES QUESTIONNAIRE

In line with the Inns’ Equal Opportunities Policy and Code, the Inns collect information on ethnic origin, gender, disability, university attended, degree classification and intentions as to future practice from all applicants for Inn membership and scholarships so that the effectiveness of the Policy and Code can be assessed.

The ethnic origin categories and codes are those used in the 2011 census and are recommended by the Bar Council. The information collected will be treated as confidential. It will be used to compile statistical analyses and reports and will not be released to anyone in a way which might identify any individual. The data collected will not be used in any selection process and is kept only for monitoring purposes.

Name:      

1. What is your ethnic group?

Choose one section from (a) to (e) and then place a tick in the appropriate square bracket to indicate your cultural background.

(a) WhiteBritish / English / Welsh / Northern Irish / Scottish [ 01 ] Irish [ 02 ] Gypsy or Irish Traveller [ 03 ]Any other white background – please write in below [ 04 ]

     

(b) MixedWhite and Black Caribbean [ 05 ]White and Black African [ 06 ]White and Asian [ 07 ]Any other mixed / multiple ethnic background – please write in below [ 08 ]

     

(c) Asian or Asian British Indian [ 09 ]

Pakistani [ 10 ]Bangladeshi [ 11 ]Chinese [ 12 ]Any other Asian background – please write in below [ 13 ]

     

(d) Black or Black BritishAfrican [ 14 ]Caribbean [ 15 ]Any other Black / African / Caribbean background – please write in below [ 16 ]

     

(e) Other ethnic groupArab [ 17 ] Any other – please write in below [ 18 ]

     

(f) Unwilling to supply information

2. Please indicate your gender by ticking as appropriate: MALE FEMALE

3. Do you consider yourself to have a disability? YES NO

If yes, we would be grateful if you would provide a brief description of the nature of your disability so that we are aware of your requirements:

     

4. Do you intend to practise at the Bar of England and Wales? YES NO

Data Protection Statement

1. IntroductionThe Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (“the Society”) needs to collect and use certain types of information about the Individuals who come into contact with the Society in order to carry on our work. This personal information must be collected and dealt with appropriately and there are safeguards to ensure this under the Data Protection Act 1998.

2. Data ControllerThe Society is the Data Controller under the Act, which means that it determines what purposes personal information held, will be used for. It is also responsible for notifying the Information Commissioner of the data it holds or is likely to hold, and the general purposes that this data will be used for.

3. DisclosureThe Society may share data with other agencies, such as the Bar Standards Board or the Council of the Inns of Court, who have a responsibility for the regulation of barristers.The Individual will be made aware how and with whom their information will be shared.  There are circumstances where the law allows the Society to disclose data (including sensitive data) without the data subject’s consent.  

These are:a) Carrying out a legal duty or as authorised by the Secretary of Stateb) Protecting vital interests of the Individual or other personc) The Individual has already made the information publicd) Conducting any legal proceedings, obtaining legal advice or defending any legal rights e) Monitoring for equal opportunities purposes – i.e. race, disability or religionf) Providing a confidential service where the Individual User’s consent cannot be obtained or where it is reasonable to proceed without consent: e.g. where we would wish to avoid forcing stressed or ill Individuals to provide consent signatures.

4. Data Protection PrinciplesThe Society intends to ensure that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly. To this end, the Society will adhere to the Principles of Data Protection, as detailed in the Data Protection Act 1998.

Specifically, the Principles require that personal information:a) Shall be processed fairly and lawfully and, in particular, shall not be processed unless specific conditions are met,b) Shall be obtained only for one or more of the purposes specified in the Act, and shall not be processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes,c) Shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to those purpose(s)d) Shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date,e) Shall not be kept for longer than is necessaryf)  Shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under the Act,g) Shall be kept secure by the Data Controller who takes appropriate technical and other measures to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss or damage to personal information,h) Shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area.

The Society will: Observe conditions regarding the fair collection and use of information Specify the purposes for which information is used Collect and process appropriate information only to the extent that it is needed to

fulfill its needs or to comply with any legal requirements Ensure the quality of information used Ensure that the rights of people about whom information is held, can be fully

exercised under the Act. These include: The right to be informed that processing is being undertaken, The right of access to one’s personal information The right to prevent processing in certain circumstances and The right to correct, rectify, block or erase information which is regarded as

wrong information) Take appropriate security measures to safeguard personal information Ensure that personal information is not transferred outside the European Economic

Area without suitable safeguards Treat people fairly whatever their age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation

or ethnicity when dealing with requests for information Set out clear procedures for responding to requests for information Maintain documentation, including a data asset register, detailing the controls,

systems and processes which will ensure that the above aims are met.

5. Data collectionData will be collected with the informed consent of the individual. Informed consent is when:

An Individual clearly understands why their information is needed, who it will be shared with, the possible consequences of them agreeing or refusing the proposed use of the data

And then gives their consent.The Society will ensure that data is collected as laid down by this policy.

When collecting data, the Society will ensure that the Individual:a) Clearly understands why the information is neededb) Understands what it will be used for and what the consequences are should the Individual decide not to give consent to processingc) As far as reasonably possible, grants explicit consent, either written or verbal for data to be processedd) Is, as far as reasonably practicable, competent enough to give consent and has given so freely without any duresse) Has received sufficient information on why their data is needed and how it will be used

6. Data StorageInformation and records containing personal data will be stored securely and will only be accessible to authorised staff and volunteers.

Information will be stored for only as long as it is needed or required by statute and will be disposed of appropriately.

It is the Society’s responsibility to ensure all personal data is non-recoverable from any computer system previously used within the organisation, which has been passed on/sold to a third party.

7. Data access and accuracyAll Individuals have the right to access the information the Society holds about them. The Society will respond to Subject Access Requests within the timetable stipulated, and upon payment of any fee permitted, by legislation.   In addition, the Society will ensure that:

It has a Data Protection Officer with specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with Data Protection. Contact details for the Data Protection Officer will be shown on the Society’s web-site.

All those processing personal information understand that they are  responsible for following good data protection practice

All those processing personal information are appropriately trained and supervised All those handling personal information know how to seek instruction or guidance if

required It deals promptly and courteously with any enquiries about handling personal

information It describes clearly how it handles personal information It will regularly review the ways it holds, manages and uses personal information All staff are aware that a breach of the rules and procedures identified in this policy

may lead to disciplinary action being taken against them

This policy will be updated as necessary to ensure compliance with any changes or amendments made to the Data Protection Act 1998.

In case of any queries or questions in relation to this policy please contact the Society’s Data Protection Officer via website@graysinn.org.uk.  

What happens to your application dataWe will use the information you provide to administer and determine your application. This may include information from third parties, for example the references that you arrange to be provided.

We may disclose this information to the committees and interviewers who consider your application. We may disclose information about your identity to other Inns of Court for the administration of the admissions process. We publish the names of those Called to the Bar in the newspapers. We share the names of those called to the bar with the other Inns and those names are published on call lists in the Inns. We also publish across the Inns the name of anyone expelled from the Inn.

If you do not complete all sections of the application form, this may delay or hinder the consideration of your application.

The information provided on the Ethnic Monitoring form is entirely voluntary, will not affect your application and will be provided to the Equality and Diversity Committee of the General Council of the Bar for the monitoring of the ethnic origin of candidates.

Glossary of TermsData Controller – The person who (either alone or with others) decides what personal information the Society will hold and how it will be held or used.

Data Protection Act 1998 – The UK legislation that provides a framework for responsible behaviour by those using personal information.

Data Protection Officer – The person (s) responsible for ensuring that the Society follows its data protection policy and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Individual – The person whose personal information is being held or processed by the Society for example: client, employee, student, member or supporter.

Explicit consent – is a freely given, specific and informed agreement by an Individual/Service User in the processing of personal information about her/him. Explicit consent is needed for processing sensitive data.

Notification – Notifying the Information Commissioner about the data processing activities of the Society, as certain activities may be exempt from notification.

Information Commissioner – The UK Information Commissioner responsible for implementing and overseeing the Data Protection Act 1998.

Processing – means collecting, amending, handling, storing or disclosing personal information.

Personal Information – Information about living individuals that enables them to be identified – e.g. name and address. It does not apply to information about organisations, companies and agencies but applies to named persons, such as individual volunteers or employees within (GROUP).

Sensitive data – refers to data about: Racial or ethnic origin Political affiliations Religion or similar beliefs Trade union membership Physical or mental health Sexuality Criminal record or proceedings Disciplinary proceedings

By my signature, I acknowledge receipt, understand and accept the above Data Protection Statement.

Signature ………………………………… Dated ............../............../..............

THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF GRAY’S INN

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 8 SOUTH SQUARE, LONDON WC1R 5ET Tel: 020 7458 7900 Fax: 020 7458 7937

Additional Information

Please provide the following information for our records:

Name:      

Academic e-mail address:      

Personal e-mail address:      

Do you intend to study the BPTC full or part time? Full time Part time

Please confirm the address to which you would like your membership pack sent:

Correspondence Permanent

THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF GRAY’S INN

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 8 SOUTH SQUARE, LONDON WC1R 5ETTel: 020 7458 7900 Fax: 020 7458 7937

Admissions Checklist

Please ensure your application includes the following:

1 Four Inns of Court and General Council of the Bar formFilled out in block capitals with your name as it appears on your passportPlease complete sections 1 – 6 if applicable.

2 Admission Declaration form1 original Admission Declaration form

3 2 Certificates of Good CharacterPlease ensure that referees have provided their full name, job title/s, work address/es and have confirmed that they have viewed your Admission Declaration by completing the final paragraph.Certificates of Good Character must be original signed copies.

4 Certified copies of qualification certificatesAny copied certificates should hold an official stamp and the certifier should state that it is ‘a true likeness of the original’.

5 Admission feePlease enclose a cheque, postal order or bankers draft for £100 made payable to Gray’s Inn. NO CASH

6 2 Passport photos

7 Equal Opportunities form

8 Signed Data Protection Statement

9 Photocopy of photographic ID

10 Additional Information form

Signature ………………………….. Date ............./.............../..............