duration

Duration
Half-day

duration

Location
In-house

duration

Availability
Good

Suitable for:       All What does this mean?

Success in court proceedings is dependent on a strong witness statement. This will be the first evidence the judge sees in support of your case and the basis on which the other party will cross-examine your witnesses.

Learn the three secrets to drafting the best statements for court. This course will help delegates learn how best to utilise the evidence available to prepare a witness statement which supports their case in a housing context. Delegates will learn how to ensure they comply with the civil rules for evidence, the importance of the way the evidence is presented, and how to deal with information which could be detrimental to your case.

This is a highly practical course designed to equip delegates with the skills to prepare statements in housing matters. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn the theory and ask questions in the morning. The afternoon will be dedicated to a case study and delegates will consider evidence, critique statements, and have the opportunity to draft their own witness statements.

  • Read more

    What will delegates learn?

    • How to effectively manage a case
    • Practical skills to deal with evidence issues in a housing context
    • How to deal with hearsay evidence.
    This course will cover:
    • File and case management
    • Maximising incident diaries
    • Effective questioning of a witness to maximise your evidence
    • Effective investigation of a case
    • Maximising the impact of your statements in court
    • Drafting the complainant’s witness statement
    • Drafting a management witness statement
    • Hearsay evidence.
    Who should attend?

    All staff, team leaders and managers who are involved in preparing witness statements in a civil housing context.

  • Our trainer

    Mel Cant became a Barrister in July 2000 and both prior to and since that time has worked within the housing sector to improve services to the public and providers by providing leadership, practical advice, training, support and guidance in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Mel’s “can do” attitude along with her passion for ensuring equality and fairness for all through outstanding customer service and providing practical solutions has made her a “go to” person within social housing.

  • Testimonials

    • I learnt a lot and feel not just confident in statement writing but also in my approach to being a Housing Officer, as I will be more conscious of writing letters and documenting in my notes.

      Thanet District Council

    • Mel is great – straight talking, clear and very informative. She simplifies the context and uses relevant examples. I have attended other courses with Mel, and I booked on to this one as I know how good she is at what she does.

      Homes Plus

    • Really came away with relevant information for my organisational needs, and will be looking to implement some of the tips provided into the witness statements we use in regards to rent arrears.

      Anchor Hanover

    • I always find the most useful parts of group training sessions is the open floor discussions and real.life case srudies and scenarios. Mel was very good at using the group real life questions to steer the training.

      Cottsway Housing

We can bring this course to you.
If you have five or more staff interested our in-house training offers great value for money.

Complete the form below and we'll be in touch.