The Expert Witness Advisory Group Blog – October 2024

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 continued to help 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.  This work is ongoing. 

EWAG Annual Conference 

In September 2024 we held EWAG's annual expert witness conference, Chaired by Professor Leam Craig. It was a packed programme.

Glenda Liell spoke on Considerations for ensuring high standards in psychological test use in forensic contexts.

HHJ Andrew Smith KC considered Effective expert evidence: a judicial perspective.

Benjamin Douglas-Jones KC presented on How psychological reports can assist the court.

Dr Katie Maras outlined her research on Autism and memory: implications for providing evidence in the Criminal Justice System. 

Professor Michael Kopelman spoke on Amnesic disorders, criminal responsibility, and fitness to plead.

The influence of drugs and alcohol on memory was addressed by Professor Heather Flowe.

Professor Graham Davies presented on Expert testimony: is there a role for the memory expert.

Professor Chris Brewin spoke on Trauma and memory.

And finally, Professor Laura Mickes considered What eyewitness confidence tells us about accuracy.  The conference was well attended with approximately 180 delegates.   

Essential Knowledge of an Expert Witness

An updated Essential Knowledge of an Expert Witness course was launched in May 2024.

This includes new workshops to support learners.

The first workshop will be delivered in October.

Those successfully completing the course could be added to the EW Register when available.

It was hoped that more CPD topics would be developed, inclusive of webinars and workshops on topics such as presenting in court, clinical neuropsychology, civil, family and criminal court work. 

Future Project Work

Over the coming months EWAG will revise and update: Psychologists as Expert Witnesses - Guidelines and Procedures for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, potentially incorporating, Psychologist expert witnesses undertaking remote psychological assessments.

Membership

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

We continue to invite new applications. Find out more about joining the Expert Witness Advisory Group.