Expert Witness Advisory Group Blog - November 2023

The function of the Expert Witness Advisory Group (EWAG) is to advise and guide members and the society on expert and ordinary witness issues.

The EWAG advises on professional standards and good practice for psychologists working as expert witnesses; training opportunities in expert witness work and their availability, as part of BPS CPD initiatives; develops guidance on topics of direct relevance to expert witness work and makes recommendations for a register or directory of expert witnesses. 

Expert Witness Register

EWAG has assisted Rachel Scudamore (Head of Quality Assurance and Standards) on a revision to the society's Expert Witness Directory as it transitions to become an Expert Witness Register.

Areas being considered are:

• How do we know applicants have the correct clinical expertise?
• Could be provided by a third party – with competence demonstrated via a professional reference.
• Should applicants provide three references and three anonymised reports?
• How will academic experts capture their expertise? Perhaps via a declaration of research excellence, references, and engagement in CPD, such as conferences?

Family Courts

Following Sir Andrew McFarlane's ruling on Parental Alienation, EWAG members were involved in updating the joint BPS/FJC's Psychologists as Expert Witnesses in the family courts in England and Wales: Standards, competencies and expectations.

The amended guidance was accepted by the FJC which was published on 1 June 2023.

The document sets out a clear code of conduct for psychologists working in the family court and quality of service expectations. It encourages all psychologists who work within the courts to ensure they are taking part in regular CPD and supervision.

A number of EWAG members also contributed to the society's response to the FJC's, Draft Guidance on Responding to allegations of alienating behaviour. 

EWAG Annual Conference

In September 2023 we held EWAG's annual expert witness conference.

The conference theme was Case Studies by expert witnesses.

The conference programme included presentations from Family Court Judges, Parole Board Panel Chairs and by a number of psychologist expert witnesses on the assessment of complex cases across a range of judicial settings heard before Crown, Civil and Family Courts.

The conference attracted delegates from Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Austria, Ireland, Guernsey, South Africa and from across the UK.

There was a strong live presence for the whole event – in total there were 148 attendees. 

Change in EWAG Membership

The work of the society is greatly influenced by the voluntary contributions of its members, their expertise is invaluable.

Having completed their terms of office a number of members and the Chair Professor Leam Craig stood down. We would like to take this opportunity formally to convey our thanks and gratitude for their service and outstanding commitment to the work of EWAG. 

Following a successful recruitment campaign, a new Chair, Dr Andy Siddaway, is now in place together with new member

We continue to invite new applications to become Expert Witness Advisory Group Members.

Joint work with Mental Capacity Advisory Group

A new initiative includes working more closely with the society's Mental Capacity Advisory Group.

Potential joint projects include developing guidance related to capacity, managing property/finance and guidance on criminal litigation, children, and civil litigation.

Find out more about the work of the Expert Witness Advisory Group.