Course overview

One of the most daunting prospects for any social worker is attending court. Doubt may be cast on their experience, notes, method of investigation and the procedures followed by them and the authority they represent.

This practical, structured Court Skills training course is designed to ensure that social workers who give evidence are familiar with the procedures involved.

It will equip them with the necessary skills to a give a truthful, confident and coherent account from the witness box. The day will demystify the court process, and delegates will undergo a realistic cross-examination by an experienced solicitor or barrister.

Key Learning Points

• How the adversarial system works
• The procedures, order of events and roles of those in the adversarial system
• Effectively taking the oath/affirmation
• Techniques lawyers use in cross examination and how to handle them
• How to prepare to give clear, honest and objective evidence
• How to make appropriate use of supporting evidence, documents and notes when giving evidence
• How to give confident and clear testimony under cross examination