Expert witness in child protection (Level 3+, 4 and 5) – online
This two-day course provides paediatricians, who are already acting in an expert capacity or those with professional witness experience wishing to do so in the future, with the skills required to fulfil this key responsibility.
What is the course about?
This two-day course provides paediatricians, who are already acting in an expert capacity or those with professional witness experience wishing to do so in the future, with the skills required to fulfil this key responsibility.
You will have the opportunity to develop and improve one of your own reports, discuss case studies with colleagues and trainers, and take part in interactive workshops, giving you valuable practical skills and tools.
Check out our current course listings (opens in same window) to see if this course is open for booking. If it’s not listed, register your interest below.
UPDATE – The next course is taking place on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 June 2025 – book your place today!
Target audience
- Consultant paediatricians (including named and designated doctors)
- SAS and locally employed doctors
Important – this course is for those with current experience of being an expert witness or (if looking to step up into this role) current experience of being a professional witness – if you do not have court experience as a professional witness our Child Protection: From Examination to Court course may be more appropriate for you (there is also a separate course for those based in Scotland)
Course aim and learning outcomes:
Aim:
To equip paediatricians being called as expert witnesses with the skills to produce constructive independent reports and to effectively testify in court to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of expert witnesses and how these differ from professional witnesses
- Produce independent expert reports that meets the specifications of the different court systems
- Testify in court as an expert witness with the skills and confidence required to provide the best possible outcomes for the child.
For those interested in Expert witness work:
Please see the recording below, a conversation between Justice Williams and Dr Fiona Straw about expert witness work as a paediatrician.
Recorded on 20th June 2022 (approx. 43 minutes).
Faculty lead
This course is provided in partnership with Bond Solon, a specialist training company for Health and Social Care professionals.
Each year they work with hundreds of health and social care organisations, including NHS Trusts, ICBs, Local Authority Social Care departments, Charities, Professional Bodies and Regulators to ensure they meet their legal and safeguarding duties.
Their training is designed to ensure professionals are aware of and have an understanding of the legal frameworks they work within, enabling them to work confidently and to best practice in applying into day-to-day practice.
They design and deliver training solutions which support practitioners to work confidently within the law and provide excellent clinical care. The courses are CPD/CME approved.
Delegate feedback
In the court, I will be calm, honest, credible, interested and helpful.
Clearly taught by an expert in the field and lots of group discussions to gain experiences from others.
Very privileged to be part of this particular group and to learn from my colleagues, especially senior colleagues with extensive expert witness experience.