No 18 Chambers continues to operate as usual and we will continue to do so until such time as we are advised against it. As a chambers we are continually monitoring the coronavirus outbreak, receiving daily advice from Public Health England (PHE), the Bar Council and considering the contingency measures we may need to put in place. We are determined to do all we can to ensure a continuous service to all of our clients with their welfare and that of our barristers and staff at the forefront of our minds.
We have in place a strict hygiene policy to help prevent the spread of the virus in line with UK Government recommendations Business Continuity plans are in place, and our flexible working policies mean there should be minimal disruption to the business, but we will continue to monitor the situation.Bearing this in mind, where possible we would please ask that you send your documents electronically.An internal working group has been established across the business to monitor and respond to the ongoing situation.
In addition we have now put in place a number of measures in case they are needed in the coming weeks.
These are as follows:
- All our barristers are able to work remotely
- Conferences may be held via telephone or Skype .
- Our operating systems can all be accessed remotely, including our administration and telephone system
In the unlikely event that we have to close chambers buildings, procedures have been put in place to ensure calls will be answered by our clerking team on our usual number 02380 736 812. However, in case of emergency .The mobile phone numbers of our clerks are:
- Mark Windebank, Senior Clerk: 07748 984852
- Dan Fantham, First Junior Clerk: 07780 260581
By putting in place these contingency measures we intend to continue offering as normal a service as possible throughout the duration of this unprecedented epidemic; and by working together we are confident we can find solutions to any problems arising, thereby reducing as far as possible any impact on our professional and lay clients and minimising risks to health.
We will of course keep you updated if this situation changes but in the meantime if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us in chambersMark Windebank
Senior Clerk
