This CPD course is delivered in conjunction with The City Law School and the School of Health Sciences.

Online booking for this course opens soon.

Course facilitators: Catherine O’Neill and Dr Kevin Smith, National Vulnerable Witness Advisor - NCA and author of ABE guidance since 2007. 

Who is this course for? This course has been developed for professionals working in the justice system, including barristers, solicitors, youth offending practitioners, Appropriate Adults, social workers, police and psychologists. 

Course aim:

Participants will:

1. become familiar with the background legislation – Equality Act and the 1999 Youth and Criminal Justice Act.
2. appreciate the range of needs that vulnerable clients may present.
3. offer an understanding of some of the following disabilities such as:
   physical disabilities e.g. cerebral palsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, visual/ hearing impairment
   learning disabilities -mild/moderate/severe
   learning difficulties – dyspraxia, dyslexia , ADHD  (hidden difficulties)
   neuro developmental disorders - motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS),
   vulnerable elderly -dementia

(Autism and Mental Health Disorders will be briefly mentioned but a specific CPD day will be offered for both these areas.)

4. understand the role of the intermediary in relation to assisting all parties in the justice process. 
5. understand the pathway
6. understand how to take referrals and obtain funding.
7. understand the chain of communication - the various and many steps required.
8. understand the concept of keywords and information carrying words.
9. understand the need for and how to improve skills in simplifying language and putting questions.
10. recognise the areas of communication needs related to certain disabilities.

Course content:

By the end of the course participants will understand:

1. Recent legislation and current position of Ministry of Justice /defendants/family courts/tribunals

2. Definition of areas of disability

3. Statistics re population and their specific needs

4. Referral procedures and funding for use of intermediaries

5. Practicalities of courts (magistrates, crown and youth), wheelchair access, remote access etc

6. Areas of assessment and suggested methods

The course fee includes a light lunch and refreshments. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies please email your requirements/requests to cpd@city.ac.uk no later than 7 days before the course date.

Cancellation policy:  
If you wish to cancel your booking 30 or more days before a course/assessment start date, you have the option of receiving a refund minus a charge of £100. If you wish to cancel with less than 30 days before the course/assessment start date, the cancellation fee will be the total course fee. If you wish to cancel your booking please do so in writing by emailing: cpd@city.ac.uk. They will endeavour to respond to all cancellation requests within 5 working days. Refunds will be made using the same method of payment as you used for the purchase and will be paid within 14 days of you informing us of the cancellation, however, City and IfJ will not be liable for any travel, accommodation or any other costs as a result of any cancellation.

If you are unable to attend the course you may substitute another delegate by giving City 24 hours’ notice - please email cpd@city.ac.uk

Please see City Terms and Conditions for full Terms and Conditions. (Section VI, 3.3-3.6 for the cancellation policy). 

Book here.