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We are continuing to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) for our mini-pupillage and pupillage recruitment processes this year.

We are continuing to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) when processing applications. This was first incorporated into our recruitment process in 2019.

We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background. For this reason, we would like to share the following data with the CRS: your unique identification number, your name, email address, postcode, examination grades, education history, the information you provide in the section titled "contextual information" and the fact that you have applied to Blackstone Chambers.

We share this information so that your application can be reviewed in the context of your socio-economic background (e.g. so we can consider whether you overachieved in light of your wider personal circumstances) and to enable Blackstone Chambers to pursue legitimate interests of fair recruitment (Article 6(1)(e) GDPR).

The CRS uses national data to map the social, financial and educational background of candidates so as to ensure that all candidates of merit and potential are identified during recruitment processes and thus given the appropriate chance to flourish. All applicants for pupillage at Blackstone Chambers are given the opportunity to consent to their personal information being processed by the CRS and the result of such analysis being provided to the Pupillage Committee for consideration at the outset of the application process

For more information please visit https://contextualrecruitment.co.uk/.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

All barristers, clerks and staff are fully committed to diversity and inclusion within Blackstone Chambers and the Bar generally, and to equality of opportunity for all. It is Chambers’ policy to treat everyone fairly and equally. Candidates for pupillage and tenancy are assessed, and offers of pupillage made, solely on merit.

We are taking proactive steps to review and continually improve all aspects of the administration and life in Chambers, and to ensure and improve equality of access to pupillage, training and practice development, and employment opportunities within our organisation.

We always consider requests for reasonable adjustments to be made during the course of our applications process so as to remove or reduce disadvantages experienced by applicants with disabilities. Such adjustments might include (by way of non-exhaustive examples) the provision of information in alternative formats, easily accessible interview and mini-pupillage venues, or extra time to prepare for or undertake assessment.

A request for reasonable adjustments should be made in the first instance to the Pupillage Manager, Carla Rodriguez, and will be considered by the Pupillage Committee in conjunction with Chambers Equality and Diversity Officers as appropriate.

+44 (0)207 5831770

Clerks

Staff