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 non-standard & 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

youThey 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 MethodsReceptive 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

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.

Typical Recommendations

Pre Trial and TrialMakes 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?