Witness familiarisation training is not only allowed but encouraged. It helps to prepare witnesses for the experience of giving evidence. Witnesses should not be disadvantaged by ignorance of the process they are about to take part in.
Coaching or rehearsing witnesses, that is telling them what to say or even suggesting what they should say when giving evidence, is not permitted in the UK.
But witness familiarisation training is not only allowed but encouraged. It helps to prepare witnesses for the experience of giving evidence. Witnesses should not be disadvantaged by ignorance of the process they are about to take part in.
There are different types of witness training, but all of them aim to give witnesses a thorough understanding of the process that they are about to take part in. At its most basic witness familiarisation will explain the layout of the court or tribunal or other room where the hearing will take place, the correct way to address the judge orpanel and the likely sequence of events. It may also provide some guidance on how best to give evidence.
More sophisticated witness training includes a demonstration of effective evidence giving and also shows what doesn't work so well (for example being too defensive, or even over-confident). The most effective witness training incorporates expert communication theory and techniques to help witnesses communicate their evidence as effectively as possible.
Yes it can, and should. Giving evidence is not like an interview, still less is it a conversation. Witnesses need to practise answering difficult questions. Witness training is an opportunity to do so in a safe learning environment.
The only restriction on cross-examination practice is that it must not have anything to do with the evidence that the witness is to give. To avoid any possibility or even suggestion of improper coaching, none of those involved in the witness training should have any involvement in the case. That includes the solicitors and barristers.
Some witness training providers use role-play scenarios that participants have to prepare in advance. We do not think this is a particularly effective way to practise cross-examination. Busy witnesses might not take the time to properly prepare, and more importantly they have no real interest in the subject matter of the cross-examination exercise. We cross-examine witnesses on topics that really matter to them, but which require little or no preparation. We find that this best replicates the experience of giving evidence for real.
Witness training is invaluable whenever an individual is facing difficult questions - in any kind of court, trial or tribunal hearing but also in an arbitration, a regulatory investigation or professional conduct hearing (for example an FCA compelled interview) or public inquiry.
Witness training is extremely valuable whenever it takes place, even if just before the trial or hearing. However it is most beneficial when done three to four weeks beforehand. This gives witnesses time to properly take on what they have learned during the training and to practice some of the communications techniques that we teach.
This is very much up to the individual witness. The shortest Assurety course lasts 3 hours but if required we can spend a full day with a single witness. This may sound excessive but remember when giving evidence for real witnesses can be 'in the box' for a number of days. It helps to experience what that can feel like in a safe learning environment. Witness training is often done one-to-one but can also be done in small group
Training can be delivered in any location. All we require is a reasonable-sized room so that we can recreate a court or tribunal setting for the cross-examination practice.
Yes. We regularly travel overseas to deliver training for witnesses who are about to give evidence in the UK. We also train those involved in legal proceedings overseas, particularly in international arbitrations.
If the witness is due to give evidence in English that is all the more reason for them to have familiarisation training. Witnesses who do not speak English as a first language are more likely to feel anxious about giving evidence in an unfamiliar setting. They will also need to know how to communicate their evidence as effectively as possible.
If a witness is due to give evidence through an interpreter we can arrange to deliver familiarisation training using an interpreter. The aim is to give witnesses an experience that comes as close possible to giving evidence for real.
Assurety is owned and run by three practising barristers with over 60 years' experience between them. We are all regularly in court and have a real understanding of the process of giving evidence. We use only senior, very experienced and highly regarded barristers from leading chambers including Essex Court, Serie Court, Blackstone, Matrix and Cloisters. We are the only witness training provider to incorporate cutting-edge communications theory and techniques into our courses to ensure that witnesses are able to communicate their evidence to the best of their ability.
All of those who have attended our courses report feeling much more relaxed and confident about the prospect of giving evidence and thoroughly prepared for what lies ahead.
