This course is delivered in conjunction with The City Law School and the City University of London School of Health Sciences.

Online booking open here.  

Course facilitators: Olwen Cockell, Sarah Barker (Registered Intermediaries) Professor Lucy Henry (Professor of Speech and Language) and Dr Kev Smith (NCA National Vulnerable Witness Adviser)

Who is this course for? 

The course is aimed at Registered Intermediaries working across the justice system with children. Assisting very young children and older children can be very rewarding but it isn’t always child’s play! Many intermediaries work in isolation, wondering perhaps if the assistance they’re providing is correct.

This course gives the opportunity to further understand how communication develops and how cognitive, psychological and linguistic development influences the completeness, coherence and accuracy of children’s evidence.

This day also offers an opportunity to discuss approaches, resources, recent research and much more.

Course requirements: IfJ Full, International or Associate member. Join here. It is desirable that attendees have some experience of working with children within the criminal justice system but this is not mandatory. Attendees should be aware that the course will comprise of presentation, practical activities and discussion. This course aims to develop an understanding of child development, development of communication skills and how cognitive and linguistic development influences the completeness, coherence and accuracy of children’s evidence. It will offer an opportunity to revise, update and discuss.

Intermediaries who do not work with children currently or have not done so for many years should be aware that in order to extend their skill sets and to fulfil competency requirements course attendance must be combined with additional CPD (e.g. nursery placement) before pursuing work as an Intermediary with the child population

Course content:

· How does thinking work? Do we think using language? Can thinking be separated from language?

· Impact of a language delay/difficulty

· How can a language need or a vulnerability be defined? How to justify the need for intermediary assistance

· Sharing communication – is everyone using the same language?

· Conceptual development and how it impacts evidence (e.g. prepositions, time, theory of mind, body parts)

· Every reasonable step – case law and notable cases

· Successful Communication – Child, Adult, Context

· Asking the right questions in the right way – small group opportunities to consider, discuss and amend evidential questions

The course fee includes a light lunch and refreshments. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies please email your requirements/requests to cpd@city.ac.uk no later than 7 days before the course date.

Cancellation policy:  
If you wish to cancel your booking 30 or more days before a course/assessment start date, you have the option of receiving a refund minus a charge of £100. If you wish to cancel with less than 30 days before the course/assessment start date, the cancellation fee will be the total course fee. If you wish to cancel your booking please do so in writing by emailing: cpd@city.ac.uk. They will endeavour to respond to all cancellation requests within 5 working days. Refunds will be made using the same method of payment as you used for the purchase and will be paid within 14 days of you informing us of the cancellation, however, City and IfJ will not be liable for any travel, accommodation or any other costs as a result of any cancellation.

If you are unable to attend the course you may substitute another delegate by giving City 24 hours’ notice - please email cpd@city.ac.uk

Please see City Terms and Conditions for full Terms and Conditions. (Section V1, 3.3-3.6 for the cancellation policy). 

Places are limited to a maximum of 20 participants. There is a minimum requirement of 12 participants. If the minimum number is not met, the course will be cancelled with a weeks notice and a full refund given.