NOTICE RE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Deans Court Chambers would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the steps we have taken so far and how we will continue to operate as a result of COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Chambers are regularly checking and updating how we react as a result of guidance from the Government (PHE & WHO), the NHS & the Bar Council. We have taken, and will continue to take, all necessary measures to maintain business operations while ensuring the health and wellbeing of members, staff and our Clients. We have immediately begun extensive testing of our software and systems for flexible working to ensure that Deans Court can continue to remain operational.

Outlined within our plan are instructions for all members and staff on how they must conduct day to day business to reduce the potential spread of any virus and to be able to continue providing services and support to our Clients. This includes:

• Restricting attendance of Deans Court members and staff at events;
• Rescheduling and cancellation of non-essential visits to Chambers (such as mini pupillages, face to face meetings;)
• Preference to only accepting scanned copies of briefs and papers unless special arrangements are made;
• Hosting conferences via telephone or via weblinks where possible;
• Cancellation of networking events;
• Providing instructions on correct hygiene practices;
• Additional and enhanced cleaning, hand washing and sterilisation;
• Following the correct processes if members or staff believe they are at risk of infection;
• Reporting if members and staff have been in contact with anyone who has travelled abroad or been in contact with anyone who has/had Coronavirus.
• Notices on reception for visitors of Chambers to read before entering the building to confirm they haven’t visited any of the affected areas or had any recent close contact with someone with the symptoms (Symptoms set out by the NHS include a high temperature (you feel hot to touch on your chest or back) and/or a new, continuous cough (meaning you have started coughing repeatedly)

If you have come into contact with anyone who has one of the two main symptoms or if you have one or both of those symptoms, we ask that you do not come into Chambers or any hearing for at least 14 days. Please inform us of any relevant symptoms as soon as possible. If one of our staff or barristers believes that any visitor to Chambers displays any of the symptoms, they may ask to rearrange the meeting over the telephone or via video link. We hope that you will work with us to ensure the safety of our members, staff and clients.

You can contact us at: clerks@deanscourt.co.uk This inbox is monitored regularly and will be directed to the relevant person who will get back to you.

Our business continuity plan can be found here.

The following links provide advice issued by the Government (PHE & WHO) and the NHS:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We remain on hand to assist with any concerns that you may have and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your patience and we wish you well in this difficult time.