Transcript Challenging.

How do you qualify as an R.I.?
 Have to be approved by the Court
 There is strict recruitment and selection –mainly
Speech & Language Therapists but there are others.
 Have training in the legal process.
 There are 2 examinations – one written, one practical
 There is ongoing CPD and training
Since the introduction of
Intermediaries in 2004 there have
been over 6000 matches made by
SOCA ‘Matching Service’.
This equates to at least 100 matches
a month.
ABE 2011 – 2.196
‘An intermediary can assist a witness to
communicate by explaining questions put to and
answers given by a vulnerable witness.’
Therefore the Initial Contact with the witness is vital
in making this assessment to inform your decision
making approach as to the need for an intermediary.
Intermediaries V Interpreters
Interpreters translate standard languages
(including dialects) for meaning;
Intermediaries explain the meaning of nonstandard & incompletely developed language
and idiosyncratic forms of communication.
How to Apply
 E mail your proforma request to SOCA.
 SOCA matching unit will make direct contact with
you
 They will discuss urgent, intermediate and delayed
deployment
 (recent deployment for rape was less than 7 hours)
 Intermediary will call you and its YOUR responsibility
to arrange the logistics and venue for assessment
and interview.
What an Intermediary does!
 Meets with the witness and OIC to gain rapport.
 Assesses the witness' communication skills.
 The Interviewer should be present.
 Advises how to facilitate communication.
 Provides the Interviewer with a report advising on
questioning strategies.
 Is present at the ABE interview.
Assessments Methods
 Receptive and expressive language skills.
 Speech & fluency.
 Literacy skills.
 Word finding skills.
 Question types e.g. leading.
 Time concepts.
 Literal understanding e.g. idioms
 Non verbal communication.
 Attention & listening skills.
 Sequencing ability.
 Recall ability.
 Suggestibility.
 Social communication skills.
 Areas of rapport.
Some Assessment Tools
Typical Recommendations
 Set scene, introduce topic.
 Use proper names.
 Who?, Where?, What?, When?.
 Avoid How? and Why?
 Simple concrete vocabulary.
 Use short sentences as recommended.
 Avoid complex negatives.
 Recap, providing a structure.
Pre Trial and Trial
Makes a report to the CPS.
Attends pre trial. (not always)
Attends court to advise counsel/judge on
communication.
Will be with the witness when giving evidence.
R.I.’s DO NOT….
 examine or cross-examine the witness.
 protect the witness.
 change the substance of the evidence.
 act for the prosecution or defence.
 coach the witness.
 investigate the case.
 act as witness supporter.
 act as interpreter.
The Intermediary Oath
Truth Lies and Consequences???
Help in Interview?