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Court room skills: best practice around giving evidence in court, 28 January 2026

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Provides key operational learning for investigators and analysts around the issues associated with giving evidence in court.

 

Aimed at investigators and analysts who want to build and develop key skills to enable them to become more confident and competent when required to give evidence.

 

Led by Saqib Rauf, from Veritas Witness Training, an experienced barrister who was called to the Bar in 1996.

 

Saqib has been delivering courtroom skills and investigative practice courses for almost 20 years.

 

Held online via Teams

Certificates of CPD available.

 

The Investigator is hosting a one-day online CPD workshop that provides key learning and top tips on being an effective witness in court. Our day will provide investigators and analysts with practical guidance and strategies that they can deploy in the courtroom.

 

The day will cover the following:

  • Advice on how to give clear, honest and objective testimony in the witness box.

 

  • An overview of the difference between fact and opinion.

 

  • A brief outline of trial procedure in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court.

 

  • Advice on presenting complex material to a jury.

 

  • Advice on how to prepare for cross-examination. How to pre-empt difficult questions and take a proactive approach.

 

  • What the aims of cross-examination are and how to positively and proactively undergo cross-examination by the defence.

 

  • A look at a full range of cross-examination techniques used by lawyers and the different types of questions that you could be asked, e.g. leading questions, open-ended questions, closed questions. Practical guidance on how to confidently handle those techniques and questions.

 

  • We’ll also consider other practical strategies which delegates might use to build confidence, which include visiting a court and attending trials to familiarise themselves with the process and procedures.

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NB: the day does not include role-play sessions, but we do advise delegates to attend this day first to build skills and then consider attending a future role-play session.

 

AGENDA - GMT

9.30am-9.40am: Welcome and introduction, Carol Jenkins, The Investigator

9.40am-10.40am: Session One: Factual evidence and opinion evidence. The role of the witness in court. How to give clear, honest, and impartial testimony

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10.40am-10.50am: Questions

10.50am-11.10am: Break

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11.10am-Noon: Session Two: Procedure at the trial. Aims of cross-examination

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Noon-12.10pm: Questions

12.10pm-12.30pm: Break

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12.30pm-1.10pm Session Three: How to prepare for giving evidence. Top tips and practical advice

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1.10pm-1.20pm: Questions

1.20pm-1.30pm: Break

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1.30pm-2.20pm: Session Four: Techniques lawyers use in cross-examination and how to address them effectively

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2.20pm-2.30pm: Final questions

2.30pm: workshop finishes

 

HOW TO BOOK

Cost: £199.75 + VAT (GBP) per delegate (LEA and Government Agency rate).  £249.75 + VAT (Industry rate). 

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Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.

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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 PayPal/debit/credit card (corporate card fees apply + 3%). ​The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.

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