Intermediaries

Intermediaries work with witnesses who may experience communication difficulties if required to give evidence in court: for example people with autism, hearing impairments or learning difficulties.

Intermediaries are professionals from a range of backgrounds such as speech and language therapy, psychology and social work who can help witnesses give evidence in court.

They act as an independent go-between for the witness, helping them understand the questions they are being asked and assisting them in communicating their responses.  The role of an intermediary is to facilitate communications without changing the substance of the evidence.

Intermediaries can work with witnesses from the time they give their initial statement to the police through to giving their evidence in court.  They will assess the individual needs and abilities of the witness and advise the criminal justice agencies on how to question the witness to get their best evidence.