SILK PROFILE

Betsan Criddle KC

UK Bar 2026

Old Square Chambers

Ranked in 3 practice areas

Industrial Relations

All Circuits

1 year ranked

Professional Discipline

London (Bar)

10 years ranked

Employment

London (Bar)

14 years ranked

About

Provided by Old Square Chambers

Practice Areas

All areas of employment and discrimination law and professional discipline, including High Court contractual disputes, large scale equal pay litigation, public inquiries, industrial action injunctions and judicial review proceedings. Recent highlights in 2025 include: Element v Tesco (successful challenge to ET’s decision to allow expert evidence by an economist in multi-party equal pay litigation); Bicknell v Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB (whether CCG reorganisation fell outside scope of TUPE, due to be heard by the CA in December 2025) and representing Neil Butler in his high profile and successful challenge to his exclusion from election as NASUWT’s General Secretary.

Career

MA (Hons) Law, St John's College, Cambridge. Called to the Bar 2002.

Professional Memberships

ELA, ELBA, ILS, ARDL.

Publications

Employment Precedents and Company Law Documents (Sweet & Maxwell); Labour Law Highlights (Institute of Employment Rights); Employment Tribunal Procedure (LAG).

Personal

Fluent Welsh speaker and able to conduct litigation through the medium of Welsh. Fee-paid President of the Welsh Language Tribunal since 2024.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Industrial Relations - All Circuits

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Betsan Criddle KC is a well-reputed silk who frequently acts in large-scale claims and litigation. While other clients are represented, she is particularly active in supporting unions. Criddle is highly capable in matters such as equal pay claims, race discrimination and collective action.

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Professional Discipline - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Betsan Criddle KC is particularly noted for her medical regulatory and disciplinary work. She routinely acts on behalf of surgeons, psychologists, dentists and other healthcare professionals in fitness-to-practise proceedings, as well as judicial reviews.

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Employment - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Betsan Criddle KC has a broad employment law practice with notable experience in discrimination cases and injunction proceedings. She represents a wide range of clients including banks, independent schools, major charities, NHS trusts, trade unions and senior executives.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

I think she's a very effective advocate. Her cross-examination is very good.
Industrial RelationsUK Bar
She was completely indispensable as part of the team. Her knowledge of the area is second to none and she was so responsive.
Industrial RelationsUK Bar
Criddle has done great. She is very bright and great to work with.
Industrial RelationsUK Bar
She conveys an aura of calm no matter how complex or urgent the situation may be. Her advocacy is tenacious and her written work is comprehensive.
Industrial RelationsUK Bar
Betsan Criddle KC is a standout, she is utterly brilliant.
Professional DisciplineUK Bar
Betsan is excellent and a go-to barrister for her wealth of knowledge and astounding expertise in the field.
Professional DisciplineUK Bar