The Bar Standards Board (BSB) introduced the General New Practitioner Programme (NPP) Extension in response to COVID-19 so that barristers who could not complete NPP courses with an Inn or Circuit by their deadline did not need to seek an extension from us. The General NPP Extension applies to barristers with an original NPP deadline between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2023, who have yet to complete all the requirements of the NPP. These barristers must complete all the requirements by 31 December 2024, when the General Extension will come to an end.
Our decision to end the General NPP Extension is driven by our work to assure high standards among barristers in the interests of the public and consumers. Ensuring barristers undertake training to develop and maintain the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to provide high standards is an integral part of this work, especially during the early years of practice.
From 31 December 2024, barristers who cannot complete the NPP by their deadline must seek an individual extension. Barristers who are affected by this decision should already have received an email from us with more information. Information is also available on our website.
Notes to editors
About the Bar Standards Board
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