Discussion and support for the skills needed for RI Court report writing, GRHs, working effectively with the Witness Service and reviewing XX questions.

Course dates and times:

30th March 2022,  9.30am - 4pm
Registration - 9.15am

Course aims / objectives:

1. To explore the range of information required in RI court reports.

2. Each intermediary attending to identify learning points from a colleague’s report to apply to their future reports.

3. To consider how the MoJ’s recommended framework for court reports can be adapted for a particular witness’ vulnerabilities.

4. To discuss useful references to include in RI court reports to support recommendations for vulnerable witnesses.

5. To share experiences of GRHs and difficulties that may have arisen-and identify best practice

6. To learn about any documents relating to GRHs.

7. To consider what can make XX questions problematic for vulnerable witnesses and how to justify changes needed

8. To be aware of different formats for giving feedback to counsel about XX questions

9. To review a sample of XX questions as a group and share RI responses for changes needed

10. To consider how to get the most out of pre court and link familiarisation visits

11. To understand the role of the witness service 

12. To consider the importance of collaborative working between RIs and the Witness Service, so we achieve the best for vulnerable witnesses.

Course method:

The workshop is run in the form of a small group training of up to 20 intermediaries. The speakers will present information and will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas.  Prepared slides / handouts guide the process rather than impart information.

The following materials will be provided:

• Pre course questionnaire
• Timetable
• Power point presentations
• Guidance for further reading-Bibliography
• A 'Top Tips' collated after the course will be distributed to attendees