Assessment: Insight before decisions are made

Assessment provides an early opportunity to understand how a witness is likely to respond to the pressures of cross-examination before a final decision is made on whether they should be called.

Using realistic questioning based on personal, non-case-related experiences, witnesses are exposed to sustained and forensic challenge in a safe but demanding environment. This helps reveal how they communicate under pressure, where difficulties may arise, and what support or further preparation may be required.

Ahead of the session, witnesses complete a psychological profiling questionnaire designed to identify behavioural tendencies and likely stress responses in high-stakes environments. This insight shapes the assessment process and helps pinpoint the factors most likely to affect performance under scrutiny.

Following the session, solicitors receive a detailed report outlining key strengths, vulnerabilities and recommended next steps. For witnesses who proceed to trial, the process also provides valuable early orientation to the realities of giving evidence - reducing uncertainty, building engagement with the legal team and helping witnesses approach the task with greater clarity and confidence.