Public servants are required to provide expert evidence as witnesses in a host of public proceedings, ranging from oral hearings, court cases or committee hearings. An effective witness must be able to prepare a proper written statement which will form the basis of his or her evidence. They must present this statement effectively, clearly and directly to the hearing, court or committee concerned. And they must be prepared to be questioned fully on the evidence that they have delivered, often in an adversarial and contested environment. Anticipating and dealing with effective cross questioning to ensure that the evidence that you deliver is not undermined or misinterpreted is a key requirement for any expert witness.

This seminar will examine the following areas;

• Presentation skills in the delivery of evidence.
• Types of forums where public servants are required to give evidence and the rules/characteristics applicable to each.
• Specific guidance about presentation and cross questioning for each type of forum
• Legal issues impacting on the performance of expert witnesses from the public sector