THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE
OF SCOTLAND
WITNESS FAMILIARISATION COURSE
Cited to court? Will I be able to cope?
Learn how to be an effective witness
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
09.00-17.00
The Court Room, Scottish Police College
Tulliallan Castle, Kincardine, Fife FK10 4BE
The update event carries a maximum value of
7.5 hours (core activity) for the REHIS
Scheme of Continuing Professional Development
WITNESS FAMILIARISATION COURSE
Cited to court? Will I be able to cope?
Learn how to be an effective witness
EVENT OUTLINE
“Witnesses should not be disadvantaged by ignorance of the (court) process, nor when they come to give evidence, taken by surprise at the way it works” - Lord Justice Judge – Momodou and Llami – [2005]
The course will be of relevance to all Environmental Health Officers/ Practitioners, Enforcement Officers, Technical Officers, etc who may have to give evidence as witnesses in their professional capacity in a criminal court or at a Fatal Accident Inquiry.
You will learn how to prepare yourself for your court appearance and to be confident in your ability to give evidence clearly, concisely, professionally, confidently and effectively. You will:
- Learn the difference between ‘familiarisation’ and ‘coaching’.
- Gain a basic knowledge of the Criminal Court and Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) process in Scotland and understand your responsibilities as a witness.
- Learn about effective record keeping and report writing.
- Learn how to refer to notes or reports that you have written and to speak to them and other court ‘productions’.
- Understand and learn how to cope with the natural anxiety of giving evidence
- Take part in a short practical exercise to experience how to respond to questions addressed to you in the “witness box.
The Course is run by Mrs Betty Bott who was a Senior Procurator Fiscal and worked for over 30 years in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. She was later the Director of Legal & Professional Development at the Law School of the University of Dundee and has over 17 years experience teaching this subject to non-legal professionals.
John Sleith, REHIS Director of Professional Development, will be the REHIS contact on the day.
EVENT VENUE
This event will be held at the Court Room, Scottish Police College, Tulliallan Castle, Kincardine, Fife FK10 4BE. Telephone: 01259732000
EVENT REGISTRATION
The fee is £195 for REHIS members and £235 for non-members. A hot buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Bookings should be made on the attached form which should be returned to: Jane Barks ().
Please note:Places are limited to 12 so early booking is advised to secure a place.The course will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Once your place has been confirmed, no refund can be made although named substitutions will be accepted. Substitutions should be confirmed in writing to: Jane Barks ().
WITNESS FAMILIARISATION COURSE
Cited to court? Will I be able to cope?
Learn how to be an effective witness
PROGRAMME
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
09.00 to 17.00
09.00Registration and coffee
09.15Welcome and introduction
09.30Understanding your Role as a Witness
10.00The Court Process
10.45Coffee break
11.00The Court Process (cont.) – FAIs
12.00Scenarios – 1 -2
12.45Lunch
13.30Report writing and record keeping
14.00Practice scenarios (3 –8)
15.00Coffee break
15.15Practice scenarios (9 – 12)
16.45Dress up, Stand up, Speak up, Shut up!
17.00Close
WITNESS FAMILIARISATION COURSE
Cited to court? Will I be able to cope?
Learn how to be an effective witness
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
REGISTRATION FORM - PLEASE PHOTOCOPY IF MORE THAN ONE DELEGATE
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Seminar includes coffee, tea, lunch and event documentation.
I am a member of REHISYes □ No□
The course fee is £195to members of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.The fee for non-members is £235.
Substitute delegates will be accepted but the full name and address of substitute must be receivedin writing (or email) no later than one week before the event.
Please return completed forms (preferably by email) to: Jane Barks ().
DPD/Courses/2017/WFC/001