Help for vulnerable people giving evidence
If you have communication problems and need to talk to the police or give evidence at court, a registered intermediary may be able to help you. They can help vulnerable people involved in criminal cases in Crown, youth and magistrates' courts.
What registered intermediaries do
Registered intermediaries have special skills in communicating. They can help you speak to the police or give evidence in court if you have significant communication problems. They will:
- assess whether you need help to communicate
- advise the police and the court on the best way to communicate with you
- be present at the police interview, or in court, to help you communicate
The duty of registered intermediaries is to the court. They are neutral and fair, they:
- aren't 'on the side' of the witness or defendant
- aren't trying to achieve what the witness or defendant wants
- don't work for the police, the prosecution or the defence
- don't work to secure convictions
- aren't investigators, legal representatives or supporters
To read more about registered intermediaries, go to:
People eligible for a registered intermediary's help
A registered intermediary may be able to help if you have a problem that makes it difficult for you to communicate. For example, you may be able to get help if you:
- are under 18 years old
- have a mental health issue
- have a learning disability
- have a social communication difficulty for example autism spectrum disorder
- have a neurological disorder
- have a physical disability that makes it difficult for you to speak
Registered intermediaries can help vulnerable victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants.
Talking to the police
If the police or the defence solicitor thinks you need help because you have communication problems, they can ask for a registered intermediary to help you.
The registered intermediary will speak to you and assess your communication abilities.
The assessment will be used by the police to help them when they interview you. The registered intermediary will be present at the interview to advise and help with communication.
Assessment
The registered intermediary’s assessment is given to the police and it may include recommendations on:
- how you communicate best (verbal, visual, writing, drawing)
- the extent of your vocabulary (verbal/sign/symbol)
- your attention span (including whether you find it difficult to concentrate)
- what sort of words or kinds of questions you find difficult
- how you understand the concept of time
Once the police investigation is complete, the registered intermediary will prepare a report for the court. The report will tell the people who will be asking you questions in court the best way to talk to you.
Giving evidence at court
At court, a registered intermediary will help you to understand and communicate when you give evidence.
They won't change the questions you are asked, but will suggest an alternative form of question, if they think it will help you understand what you are being asked. They will also communicate your reply to questions as accurately as possible.
The registered intermediary won't:
- discuss the case with you
- interpret your answers or change what your evidence is
- protect you from distressing questions
Find out more about giving evidence in court.
Asking for a registered intermediary's help
If you know a vulnerable person with a significant communication difficulty, who may need the help of a registered intermediary when giving evidence to police or in court, contact the investigating police officer on the case or the scheme.