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Achieving Best Evidence CPD training: Interviewing vulnerable victims and witnesses, important updates on 2022 revised guidance, 12 December 2023

 

  • A one-day workshop led by Dr Kevin Smith who is one of the principal authors of the Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) guidance.

 

  • Kevin has been the leading authority in the interviewing of vulnerable children and adult witnesses and victims for the past 32 years

 

  • Kevin was the NCA/NPCC National Vulnerable Witness Advisor between 2008 and 2023 before his retirement this year and has advised on numerous complex investigations in the UK and across the world. He now lectures in investigation at the University of Sunderland.

 

  • Kevin is also the author of three books and 19 research papers all relating to issues around vulnerable victims and witnesses. He has also recently written a new paper entitled ’25 years of ABE’.

 

  • Kevin was also a member of the writing team for the ABE guidance that was updated last year and is at the forefront of contemporary best practice relating to ABE.

 

Contemporary issues and challenges around the Interviewing of Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses – important updates in 2022 guidance, 12 December 

The Investigator is proud to be running this CPD training event that will be led by Dr Kevin Smith, one of the leading experts in Achieving Best Evidence.

 

In the workshop, Kevin will outline the significant changes and updates included in the revised 2022 Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) guidance.

 

The ABE guidance covers the interview process for child and adult victims and witnesses during a criminal investigation, the pre-trial preparation process and the support available to witnesses in court.

 

It’s now been more than 20 years since the original ABE Guidance was introduced and during that time our society has changed radically and so it’s essential that the 2022 guidelines keep pace with these changes and that investigators are properly equipped to meet these contemporary challenges.

 

Our session includes an in-depth look at the significant changes included in the 2022 guidance that investigators need to be aware of which will impact their work in this vital area of criminal investigation.

 

The changes that will be outlined will include:

  • The management of complex cases

 

  • Trauma Informed Practice

 

  • Video Recorded Examinations

 

  • Future challenges and forthcoming legislation.

 

Kevin will also look to the future and provide his take on the fact that ABE will be reviewed and is likely to be revised when the Prisoners and Victims Bill is passed in Parliament. He’ll be outlining the changes and the implications for law enforcement.

 

The workshop will explain how these changes now shape and inform contemporary investigations.

 

It will also enable delegates to engage with Kevin to clarify any concerns or issues relating to the new changes.

 

Delegates are invited to bring their own experiences, challenges and case studies from their work that we’ll discuss with Kevin. You are also invited to submit questions prior to the workshop which Kevin can address on the day.

 

The workshop is a must attend for all investigators, analysts and police staff as it is essential that they understand the complex needs of vulnerable victims and witnesses and how best to support them through the investigation process.

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AGENDA - GMT

9.40am-9.50am: Welcome and introduction, Carol Jenkins, The Investigator

9.50am-10.30am: Session One: Introduction to the session and an overview of the updates in the 2022 ABE guidance and their implications on investigations

 

10.30am-10.40am: Questions 

10.40am-11am: Break

11am-Noon: Session Two: A consideration of the updates that include: the management of complex cases, Trauma Informed Practice and Video Recorded Examinations

Noon-12.20pm: Break

 

12.20pm-1.20pm: Session Two continued - A consideration of the updates that include: the management of complex cases, Trauma Informed Practice and Video Recorded Examinations

 

1.20pm-1.40pm: Break

1.40pm-2.10pm: Session Three: Future challenges and forthcoming legislation

2,10pm-2.30pm: Final questions and discussion.

2.30pm: Workshop finishes.

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HOW TO BOOK

Cost: £215 + VAT (GBP) per delegate (LEA and Government Agency rate).  £255 + VAT (Industry rate). 

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Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information. 

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Payment can be made by Debit/credit card. The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.

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