Transcript Challenging.

How do you qualify as an R.I.?
 Have to be approved by the Court
 Very strict recruitment and selection –90% Speech &
Language Therapists but there are other professionals
including Psychologists and Specialist Teachers.
 Have training in the legal process.
 There are 2 examinations – one written, one practical
 There is ongoing CPD and training through support groups
and mentoring.
Since the introduction of
Intermediaries in 2004 there have
been over 7000 matches made by
NCA ‘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.
How to Apply
 E mail your proforma request to NCA.
 NCA 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 Interviewer to gain
rapport.
 Assesses the witness' communication skills, this will
take approximately 1 hour.
 The Interviewer should be present at this
assessment...why
 Advises how to facilitate communication.
 Provides the Interviewer with a short, bullet pointed
report advising on questioning strategies.
Assessments Methods
 Comprehension and spoken language skills.
 Speech & fluency.
 Literacy skills.
 Word finding skills.
 Question types e.g. leading.
 Time concepts.
 Non verbal communication.
 Attention & listening skills.
 Sequencing ability.
 Recall ability.
 Suggestibility.
 Social communication skills.
 Areas of rapport.
 Literal understanding e.g. idioms
Typical Recommendations
 Set scene, introduce topic.
 Use of proper names.
 What?, Where?, Who?, 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, referred to as a GRH (Ground
Rules Hearing) this is now statute.
Will be with the witness when giving evidence,
whatever their location.
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?