Professional social workers are often required to write their own statements/reports or to assist other witnesses to do so. Excellent written evidence will often mean that a witness will not have to give evidence. Often statements/reports are written in a format or style that makes them difficult to read, so that the impact of the evidence is lost. A good statement/report will help to insulate the witness and the organisation from prolonged attacks on their evidence under cross-examination.

Course overview

This course assists delegates in understanding what is required from statements/ reports. They will consider the content of statements/reports by looking at the source and weight of evidence to be included and learn to distinguish between facts, inference and opinion.

They will also consider the style and format of statements/reports by reference to sample statements/reports in line with the provisions of Part 14 of the COPR amplified by Practice Direction (PD) 14.The samples and models can be adapted to suit the field and context that their organisation requires.

Delegates will review a range of statements/reports and use objective assessment criteria to assess their written evidence and receive feedback on written evidence to improve their written evidence skills.

Key learning points

• How to collect evidence more effectively by knowing how it is included in written evidence
• How to reference records and notes as the primary source of evidence on which the statement/report is written
• How to identify the issues and the facts, and the source and weight of those facts
• Develop clear & persuasive analysis
• Use appropriate layout, format and style
• Using written evidence as a tool to settle cases or as a basis for giving oral evidence
• Understand the formalities including, if relevant, the rules governing statements/reports