The Intermediary role

Some judges now ask, given the overall shortage of registered intermediaries, whether their presence during questioning is always necessary. In this article, 10 registered intermediaries discuss the benefits of their presence in facilitating communication that may not always be apparent to those in the courtroom.

A printable A4 leaflet about Intermediaries for Justice

This unique book provides a comprehensive explanation of how intermediaries work in practice and gives ‘behind the scenes’ insights into the criminal process. It will be of interest to practitioners and the wider public in England and Wales and encourage consideration of the scheme elsewhere.

Who are intermediaries? This PDF provides information on the role of the Intermediary, including information on communication assessment and information gathering, the use of communication aids, planning and assisting at interviews, planning for trial and the intermediary role during trials.

A consolidated list of intermediary examples.

A visual flowchart illustrating the role of the intermediary, including who they work with, how they plan for and assist at interviews and during trials and assessing and sourcing intermediaries.

Intermediaries are critical in helping children and disabled adults give evidence but many miss out on their support, write Joyce Plotnikoff and Richard Woolfson.

In this report, the Victims Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, paints a comprehensive picture of the scheme, its unique role in facilitating communication with children and vulnerable adults in the justice system, and identifies key factors impeding its effective operation.

These case studies illustrate the valuable work of Intermediaries in the justice system. The case studies provide real, anonymised, examples to demonstrate a wide variety of approaches and techniques, including simplified language, visual aids, and tailored questioning strategies. Collectively, they show how intermediaries drive changes that enable vulnerable people to understand and participate meaningfully in legal proceedings.

A flowchart guiding users on the correct route to use to request an intermediary.

This 9 minute video provides an introduction to the role of intermediaries, their importance in proceedings, and the positive effect they have in enabling the participation of vulnerable people.