Working as a Witness Service volunteer
In this guest post, law student Vera Potts reflects on her work as a Witness Service volunteer.
As a Witness Service Volunteer both prosecution and defence witnesses are supported at the criminal court through the process of giving evidence. Previously it included pre-trial visits to the courts for vulnerable intimated witnesses, however from April 2019, funding for pre-trial witnesses were devolved from the Ministry of Justice to the office of the mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
The service delivery themes included: the duty of confidentially and data protection compliance with GDPR; identifying witness needs using open, sensitive questioning and active listening to ensure understanding any special needs. Were there language or communication barriers e.g.: need for interpreters, hearing loops, difficulty with understanding and unable to read. The court require notification of physical or mental health issues such as mobility or impact of medication. Acknowledgement of cultural or religious needs e.g. which holy book may be needed for oath in court.
The aim was to ensure the witness feels respected and informed to be able to give their best evidence. The witness had to be prepared for the daunting court experience. For example the victims’ rights of service from the criminal justice system under the ‘Code of Practice for Victims’, and the standards of care set out in the ‘Witness Charter’.
Importantly the witness needs to know about people in court and their roles and where they are located in court and how to address Crown Court judges- my lord or my lady; Circuit Judges – your honour and Magistrates as sir or madam. Stand in the witness box, be totally truthful when the questioned and cross examined. Should the lawyers suggest that their evidence in their statement does not match their given answers have the confidence to say I don’t know, I can’t remember. Stress the ‘burden of proof’, the verdict is not purely a reflection on their evidence, the court has to consider other sources of evidence when sentencing. For anonymity live links were used for young children’s and those intimidated by the defendant had to be accompanied at all times.
Magistrate courts were my preference, because it was busy, handled many cases a day, each presenting new challenges and outcomes. The feeling of helping someone through what may be the most difficult day in their life can be very rewarding. It allowed me expand on the legal knowledge I obtained in W101 and W203 and develop useful practical skills to deliver professional witness support. I learned how to communicate discretely when liaising with the Police, Courts and co-working with domestic violence advisors. The witness support role has given me experience of working with a diverse society, confidence and personal growth.
My interests are in the emerging crime happening on the internet and social media like: fraud, human trafficking, modern day slavery, opportunist crime mobiles, stalking and historic abuse. I choose W360 for pro bono practical skills experience and W340 to broaden my horizons. Both these modules will enable me to explore other pro bono volunteering opportunities.
More information on UK wide volunteering opportunties is available here:
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