Increasingly professionals are in a position where they have prepared a statement or report to address a complaint or following an untoward incident or for some other purpose. Written evidence is vital. Good written evidence can save a court appearance and legal costs. It must be clear, succinct, professional and well presented. However, many witnesses make up their own style, often adopting others’ generalised formats that are ill suited to their needs. This course will set out the different types of statements and reports, how to convert records to statements, the format, what to include, what to leave out and what the court is looking for. How to asses their own statements and how to give feedback to others.
Key earning points
- Difference between statements and reports
- Purpose of statements and reports
- Format
- Appropriate language
- Using appendices
- Using exhibits, photographs, diagrams and plans
- Following professional guidelines
- The importance of investigation, sources and facts
- How to set our your qualifications and experience
- How to address the needs of the reader of the statements and reports
Practical exercises including feedback and cross examination
This is the framework and all training is tailored to the group of delegates on the day, exploring any particular concerns they have relating it to their own areas of practice. The course is interactive with good use of real cases and exercises to illustrate the points.