Expert Witness Training - A Huge Success!

The 23 Psychologists, who attended this course in Central London, were really put through their paces in giving evidence, cross examination and courtroom skills. Attendees consisted of representatives from diverse fields of psychology; including Clinical, Educational, Neuro and Forensic. They travelled considerable distances including from Leeds, Manchester and Staffordshire, and the general feeling was that it was well worth it.

The day began with Denise Thornton & Terri Hall (Founders of AChiPPP, who also organised the course) going through the excellent booklet that was produced for the course, which gave advice on cross-examination as well as providing BPS guidelines to expert witnesses. In fact, my own view is that this excellent course material should be made available to other members of AChiPPP for a small fee – to cover costs.

The first session, which looked at court procedures, giving evidence and projecting the right image, was run by John McKendrick (Barrister at Hardwicke Building). He has been described by the Legal 500 as having “exceptional promise” and Chambers & Partners recognised him as “up and coming”. The 23 delegates would certainly concur with these views, as in the following session the room was transformed into the High Court, with a Judge, a Bar and a Witness Stand and involved ‘volunteers’ coming up to the witness stand and being cross examined by the Hardwicke Building team. A mock report intended to raise a wry smile provided good material for dealing with questions and answers. The pressure was palpable and even very experienced psychologists, who had given evidence before, came off the stand feeling quite inept. However, that was the result of John McKendrick’s excellent questioning rather than the psychologists’ lack of experience.

After lunch, the group split into smaller groups of three and this time it was our turn to act the Barrister and the Expert Witness, with the third member taking notes on presentation and providing feedback. Although this could have been a very threatening exercise, in fact it was very supportive and helpful and as all the delegates had a turn, everyone felt very involved on the day.

The final session was initiated by our home-grown expert, Jennifer Stockley, who talked about her own experiences in giving evidence and, then again, the larger group split up and discussed questions that had been raised and issues about their own experience and practice.

Even for someone who has given evidence in the High Courts before, this day felt like a real training experience and I am sure that no one left the day without having learnt something.

I can only say that anyone who missed it should not miss the next training day which will be advertised on the AChiPPP website.

If anyone has any specific requests for training, please do use the website to let the Steering Committee know and we will try and set something up (if possible). We hope the next training day will be organised outside of London to give members the opportunity to attend wherever they live.

Ruth Birnbaum

(Steering Committee)