This course is delivered in conjunction with The City Law School

Online booking open here.

Course facilitators: Paula Backen and Rachel Cohen: Intermediaries

Who is this course for?

The training is an introduction for intermediaries who have previously worked as registered intermediaries with witnesses, to working with defendants in criminal courts.

Event aim / objective:

Participants will learn about the process from suspect to verdict, the whole trial process assessment and reporting variations, the differing role of the defendant intermediary and the funding arrangements. On the second day they will be joined by some participants who attended a previous one day course. This second day will focus on the current legal environment, working with suspects, emotional resilience and professional boundaries.

We will provide the background knowledge and practical skills required to work in this field. We will also discuss what we do in practice in the crown, magistrates and youth courts, how we work with vulnerable people and measures to ensure their effective participation. Our aim is that participants will have enough information to be able to work competently and confidently with defendants and suspects in the criminal justice system.

Course requirements: IfJ Full, International or Associate member. Join here. RI experience of working on at least 5 intermediary trials.

Previous Attendance at IFJ one day course or Day 1 of this 2 day course.

Course content:

We will consider:

• The key differences for intermediaries who have been trained to work with witnesses only.

• A step by step review of the entire intermediary process from referral to the end of your intermediary work: assessment, report writing, ‘special measures,’ memory refresh practicalities, suspect interviews, conferences, trial and addressing the practical and emotional challenges of this work

• Participants will learn about the defendant population and their communication needs in the criminal justice system.

• The course will address each stage of the process, from suspect interview to verdict, relating the communication needs to the role of the intermediary.

• We will also spend some time on group work, sharing strategies for supporting communication in practice throughout a trial both inside and away from the court.

• We will discuss the practicalities of taking referrals, how to invoice and the practical considerations for the Intermediary in the context of defendant work.

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.