Course dates and times:

3rd November, 6-8pm
5th November, 2-5pm
6th November, 11am – 2pm

Course aims / objectives:

1. We will provide the background knowledge and practical skills required to work in this field.
2. We will also discuss what we do in practice in the crown, magistrates and youth courts, how we work with vulnerable people and measures to ensure their effective participation.
3. Our aim is that participants will have enough information to be able to work competently and confidently with defendants in the criminal justice system.

Course content:

We will consider:

• The key issues for defendants in criminal courts
•  A step by step review of the entire intermediary process from referral to the end of your intermediary work: assessment, report writing, ‘special measures,’ memory refresh practicalities, conferences, trial and addressing the practical and emotional challenges of this work

- Participants will learn about the defendant population and their communication needs in the criminal justice system.

- The course will address each stage of the process to verdict, relating the communication needs to the role of the intermediary.

- We will also spend some time on group work, sharing strategies for supporting communication in practice throughout a trial both inside and away from the court.

- We will discuss the practicalities and  practical considerations for the Intermediary in the context of defendant work.

Course method:

The workshop is run in the form of a small group training. The presenters will present information and will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas.  Prepared slides / handouts guide the process rather than impart information.

The following materials are provided:

• Timetable
• Power point presentations
• Guidance for further reading
• Bibliography