Psychologists as Expert Witnesses workshop
£200.00
210110-0044-42

Course overview 

This consists of a 3.5 hour online workshop which aims to consolidate learning from previous training, explores specific considerations around being an expert witness in the field of psychology, and shall further learners understanding of how to apply existing learning to your role as an expert witness. 

Completion of this workshop may contribute to an application to join our Register of Expert Witnesses.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will:
  • Understand the responsibilities of acting as Psychologist Expert Witness, including the court’s position on supervision, consultation and handling of errors
  • Be able to apply relevant legal, ethical, professional and regulatory frameworks, including consideration of consent
  • Understand how and why the Expert Witness Assessment differs from your therapeutic practice
  • Be able to select and conduct appropriate psychometric tests to meet the requirements of the court
  • Understand the importance of being clear about facts vs opinion in report writing and evidence from the witness box
  • Be aware of common pitfalls when giving evidence in court and how these may be mitigated and responded to
  • Be equipped and have began developing an ongoing Development Action Plan

Workshop completion 

In order to satisfactorily complete this workshop (and therefore receive your completion certificate) you must: 

  • Arrive on time and be present for the entire duration, participating fully without disruption. A break is scheduled during the workshop. You are able to briefly turn off your video for privacy (e.g. comfort breaks) but please return within a reasonable time. Being absent for a long period of time may affect your completion of the workshop
  • Adhere to the workshop zoom expectations, which will be outlined by the facilitator at the start of the workshop. This includes keeping your video and audio enabled on your device throughout the workshop, and advice on muting/unmuting
  • Keep your phones off unless agreed with the facilitator e.g. for caring emergencies
  • Actively engage in the workshop throughout, including participating in discussions and activities
  • Complete the pre-workshop reading and activities before attending the workshop. Doing so will help you to fully participate in the workshop

Is this course for me? 

The workshop is intended for HCPC registered practitioner psychologists who have completed formal expert witness training (please see below for accepted courses) or who have equivalent expertise gained through experience.

To enrol and attend this workshop we expect you to have a solid understanding and experience of the responsibilities, requirements and challenges of being an Expert Witness. This includes but is not limited to knowledge and understanding of:

  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Contracting and instructions
  • The assessment 
  • The expert report 
  • Post report activity, including the experts meeting 
  • Presenting courtroom evidence
  • Psychometrics in court 
  • Current case law for psychologists

By enrolling onto this workshop you are agreeing that you meet this pre-existing knowledge and experience. If you attend a workshop without meeting this requirement, you may be asked to leave the workshop and re-book when you do meet the requirements. This may carry an additional fee. 

Completion of one of the following courses will guarantee that you meet these expectations:

As would membership of the following; 

  • Membership of the Expert Witness Institute (as either a Member, Certified Member, Fellow, or Certified Fellow)
  • Membership of The Academy of Experts (as either a Full Member or Fellow)
If you have already completed one or more of the modules of this BPS Essential Knowledge for the Expert Witness programme, email us on cpd@bps.org.uk to request a discount off the full programme, to regain/keep your online module access, and to complete the programme. 

Further course details 

All scheduled workshops are listed below: 
  • Wednesday 30 July 2025 13:00-16:30
  • Thursday 25 September 2025 09:30-13:00
  • Tuesday 2 December 2025 13:30-17:00

Workshops will be delivered by one of our appointed trainers. Workshops will be available throughout the year so do not worry if you are unable to attend the dates listed – more dates will become available. 

Please note that your workshop place is secured once you book onto the workshop, after enrolment. In addition to the site policies this programme is subject to additional terms and conditions.

Once enrolled, you have six months to attend the workshop.

This programme is available in English only.

 

Pricing

Price: £200 (+ VAT) 

Members: £120 (+ VAT) 

In addition to the site policies this course is subject to additional terms and conditions.

Booking on behalf of an organisation?

If you or your colleagues are looking to book onto this course as a group you can make savings by booking ten or more places. To find out more about our packages contact cpd@bps.org.uk

Invoicing

If your organisation prefers invoicing over online payment that's no problem. We can invoice you for 5 or more purchases or if your purchase is for more than £250.

In order to request a quote for 5 or more learners, please complete this form. If you are looking to book for fewer than 5 learners please proceed directly to requesting an invoice by completing the invoice request form.

To request an invoice please complete this form. We also provide guidance to support this process. Please note, to raise an invoice you will need to provide a Purchase Order. Once the invoice has been paid we will provide your learners with details of how to access their learning. 

Contact

This course is provided by BPS Professional Practice and Development. You can contact us at cpd@bps.org.uk

You may also be interested in our other courses on BPS Learn, including those related to your personal development. You can also explore the range of BPS books available via Routledge where BPS members receive 25% discount.