Giving evidence at inquiries
Public inquiries (whether planning appeals or other inquiries) can put increased pressure and stress on the staff involved, many of whom may have little experience of the inquiry process. This course will provide participants with a sound background for preparing and appearing at public inquiries and enable them to be more confident when giving evidence and facing cross examination.
8 July 2011
1 Day
-
GBP 569 + VAT
London
09.00-09.30
4.30
36551
Why you should attend?
Public Inquiries (whether planning appeals or other inquiries) can put increased pressure and stress on the staff involved, many of whom may have little experience of the inquiry process. At some stage in their careers most town planners will be required to give evidence at some type of formal hearing when they will be subject to cross examination by barristers. This masterclass will provide you with the tools and techniques to prepare properly for such a situation, present your evidence to the best of your ability at the inquiry and deal confidently with cross examination. It will also provide background for preparing and appearing at public inquiries and enable them to be more confident when giving evidence and facing cross examination.
Who should attend?
Planners and other professionals who expect that they may need to give evidence at public inquiries. Whilst this masterclass will be particularly useful to those who have never given evidence at a public inquiry, it will also be useful to other planning professionals who have some inquiry experience who want to better understand the process of preparing for and giving evidence.
Benefits of attending
This masterclass will help you to:
- Prepare your evidence thoroughly
- Build your confidence
- Present your evidence more effectively
- Respond positively to cross examination
Masterclass programme
1. The role and duties of expert witnesses
- Understanding the legal and professional duties of an expert witness
- Understanding the Inquiries Procedure Rules and Guidance
2. Pre-inquiry preparation/preparation of evidence
- Understanding your own case
- Consideration of principal material documents
- Preparing evidence with the Decision Letter in mind
- Clearly identifying policy and material consideration issues
- Distinguishing between main issues and non main issues
3. Consideration of the evidence for the Inquiry
- Considering the opposition’s Proofs of Evidence
- Do any points need answering?
- Preparing questions for your Advocate
- Preparing the Statement of Common Ground
4. Types of inquiry
- Planning appeals
- Development plan inquiries and examinations
- Other types of inquiry
5. Procedures at inquiry
- The inquiries procedure rules
- Approaches to giving evidence
- Understanding each of the 4 stages of giving evidence
- Considering some common pitfalls
- Helping yourself to being comfortable at giving evidence
- Helping the Inspector
6. Approaches to giving evidence – the 4 stages, including cross examination
- Includes role plays
Quotes from past delegates
q “A really useful event with an excellent speaker”
q “Very informative, good supporting documents and role plays were helpful” Emma Geater, GVA Grimley
Presenter
The trainer
Suella Fernandes has extensive experience in representing both developer and local authority at planning inquiry and in the High Court. She regularly advises parties on practical ways forward in planning and enforcement matters and has appeared in the High Court on s288 applications and other judicial review claims. Suella has particular experience in licensing law - appearing in licensing applications and appeals under the Licensing Act 2003. Suella is particularly interested in advocacy training in the developing world and assists the Institute of Legal Practice and Development in Nyanza, Rwanda. She recently spent time teaching legal and advocacy skills to new lawyers in Rwanda. Prior to coming to the Bar, Suella worked at the House of Commons for the Shadow Attorney General, providing research assistance on legislation and policy.
CPD requirements
This event is intended to help RTPI members with their CPD requirements.
In-house training
In-house training can be presented exclusively for your organisation on any subject in the planning and development field (including management skills). Training is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of your organisation.
To discuss your in-house requirements please contact 0845 076 0679
or e-mail incompany@rtpiconferences.co.uk
Outsourcing and event management service
Kaplan Hawksmere has over 10 years experience in running outsourced and managed training contracts both in the private and public sectors. Our highly skilled team will work with you to effectively manage your events, conferences and training programmes to maximise delegate numbers and revenue and to deliver significant benefits including:
- Financial returns – possible increased revenues or cost reductions
- Risk reduction
- High delivery standards and customer satisfaction
- Flexibility to work with your own teams or independently
- Greater market exposure
- Low cost, exceptional responsive market research
If you would like any further information on this service please contact Dwane Charalambous on 020 7960 5604 or e-mail dwane.charalambous@hawksmere.co.uk
