Drafting Civil Witness Statements (Online)

Drafting an effective civil witness statement is one of the most important skills an officer managing ASB cases must learn.

An effective statement will greatly increase the chances of securing an order that results in a positive outcome and reduced harm for victims.

This course covers the legal requirements and best practice in relation to civil witness statement drafting.

Designed for any officer who is tasked with drafting witness statements, whether working in Housing, Local Authority or Policing, it will ensure you have the knowledge required to confidently prepare statements in support of your cases.

This course is delivered by Katy Anderson, who has many years' experience in drafting statements for injunctions (both on notice and without notice), closure orders and possession action.

Specifically, learners will explore:

· The importance and benefits of effective statement drafting

· An introduction to the civil procedure rules

· The questions to ask in interview to be able to easily prepare a witness statement.

· Drafting applicant/claimant statements and resident's statements: CPR requirements and best practice

· Managing exhibits – correct referencing, exhibit sheets, disclosure and redaction

· The statement of truth

· Understanding hearsay evidence – what it is, why we can use it and how to present it to ensure it gets the most weight, in line with the Civil Evidence Act considerations