Written evidence is a key aspect of regulatory and enforcement proceedings. Delegates will consider the structure, content and style of the evidence. They will anticipate challenges to be made to the evidence and how the use of exhibits increases the reliability and weight of the evidence. Delegates consider how to deal with strengths and weaknesses in the evidence and will anticipate lines of questioning during cross-examination. This will assist with the proper preparation of written evidence. Delegates learn how to present statements in a clear, concise, and accessible style understanding the formalities for written evidence. The training consists of plenary sessions and exercises and delegates learn by reviewing statements using a Statement Writing Competency Criteria.
Learning Outcomes
- Identifying key stages in writing statements – planning, purpose, issues, facts and reasoning
- Considering the issues/topics – what has to be proved?
- Analysing the source, weight, reliability and credibility of the evidence in a statement
- Dealing with strengths and weaknesses in the facts
- Understanding the difference between facts, inferences, assumptions and opinions
- Building the statement brick by brick with the selection and use of the evidence
- Selecting, exhibiting and cross referencing digital, documentary and other evidence
- Ensuring consistency between contemporaneous notes and the statement
- Demonstrating continuity of evidence in the statement
- Writing in a clear, concise and accessible manner
- Analysing the structure, content and style of a statement or report
- Practical exercises and critiquing of statements to demonstrate best practice
- Using objective competency criteria to assess statement writing or report
- Considering the formalities and requirements in the Criminal Procedure Rules.
Full Course Details Book Course
Testimonials
Stuart Griffiths Station Commander, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
“Excellent I am more confident to attend court as a result of these sessions. Penny excellent in presenting the content”.
Vaughan Jenkins Station Manager, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service“Very informative and happy to adapt pace to suit the learner”.
David Miller Watch Manager and Fire Safety Inspection Officer, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service“Very enjoyable; I feel as if I have learnt a lot and feel more confident. Very good clear guidance and explanations”
Chloe Cutler Fire Safety Inspector, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service“I found the case studies most useful as it gave us a chance to apply the knowledge we had gained throughout the session to a ‘real life’ scenario, to improve our understanding. It was useful to have multiple case studies for different topics, for example, critiquing and commenting on two witness statements gave a bit of variety and allowed for comparison between the two, to be able to recognise good and bad practice. The initial feedback given by the tutor on the first case study was very useful and aided my completion of the next case study. Another example of this would be the exercise in which we had to make contemporaneous notes watching a video and critique our own notes, followed by the tutor critiquing them, to see what we had missed or point out where we did well. I found the actual content very interesting and thought that the session was run well over zoom. I thought the information given to us in the booklets regarding the subject was excellent, very detailed and useful to annotate throughout the day, adding explanations and comments given by the tutor. The tutor welcomed and encouraged questions and was sure to answer them thoroughly, so we understood, taking the time to go through the answers in depth. She advised us to set our own personal objectives which she made sure she covered so that everyone had a sound understanding. She was very knowledgeable and explained the subject very well”.
Matthew Young Business Fire Safety Officer, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service“I gained a much better understanding of legal skills, evidence and practice and statement writing. The practical element of the course was really useful for confirming learning. Great session presented well and really informative with useful information. Would recommend to anyone in an enforcing role. The tutor delivered the session with great professionalism and presented the session clearly, passing their knowledge on to all”.