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New CPD for expert witnesses via podcasts
What does it all mean and how easy is it?
Podcasts are usually audio broadcasts, though some are videos, and these broadcasts are available via the internet to anyone who subscribes. For example, if you love the goings on at Ambridge, you need never miss another episode if you subscribe to 'The Archers' podcast. BBC Radio is now podcasting many of its shows.
Once subscribed to a particular podcast, your computer can automatically search for and download a new episode/s each time you are logged onto the internet. The downloaded podcasts can be played from your computer or you can transfer the podcast to a portable player, often referred to as an MP3 player. MP3 is the technical name for the format of the podcasts and ipod is the brand name given by Apple to the MP3 player it launched in 2001. The process of transferring your chosen podcasts onto your MP3 player is very straight forward.
Potable MP3 players are often no bigger than a packet of chewing gum and even basic models can hold thousands of hours worth of podcasts and music. In the last couple of years prices of players have come down and even brand name MP3 players can be purchased for under £50, though the higher specification models, especially those that play videos, are more expensive. Check with your accountant – the cost of your MP3 player may even be tax deductible if you use it for your work.
EWI and The City Law School first to launch CPD podcasting for experts
Learning via podcast is not new. Many universities, including the likes of Yale and Oxford, are recording lectures and making them available for students after the event via podcast. CPD podcasts especially for expert witnesses are new and EWI is the first expert witness membership body to bring CPD podcasts to its members.
EWI has teamed up with The City Law School in Gray’s Inn which, as it happens, is based just a few doors away from EWI offices. The podcasts are created by The City Law School’s CPD department.
As Director of City Law School’s CPD department and a barrister, I have long been involved in expert witness training and the study of expert evidence. Last year I carried out research into expert witness training and a major survey of expert witnesses. It became clear that expert witnesses were looking for something new in the way of CPD training. By creating these podcasts for expert witnesses and making them available with the help of EWI, I aim to do three things: to make CPD more accessible to expert witnesses, to draw on the expertise of lawyers and experts for training purposes, and to cover topics that expert witnesses say are not widely covered but which are of great practical significance.
What you will learn
Each lawinapod program is about 25 minutes in length and looks at expert witness work and expert evidence.Each includes interviews with leading expert witnesses, judges, lawyers and professors. The programs are packed with recent news on current topics and practical advice. For example, how to keep your data secure when it is on your PC/laptop or when you are sending it out to solicitors in reports. The series will look at how in the last ten years the role of the expert has changed and the biggest challenges expert witnesses face today.
Will podcasting stand the test of time? Will MP3 players be gathering dust in twenty years, like our old friends the audio cassettes? We don’t know the answers but we do know that podcasts are hugely popular - and for good reason. Now you can stay up-to-date and get essential tips for expert witnesses by subscribing to lawinapod. You can listen almost anywhere: on a train, in the garden, on the beach - just don’t try it in court.
The City Law School’s “lawinapod” podcasts for expert witnesses will be available from April 2008 and you can pre register via City University’s web site. Go to: http://www.city.ac.uk/law/cpd/lawinapod.html
Penny Cooper
Governor of EWI and Associate Dean, The City Law School, City University
February 20th 2008
New Practice Direction for Experts in Family Proceedings Relating to Children
In July 2007 The Rt. Hon. Sir Mark Potter, President of the Family Division, spoke about the reasons for the introduction of The Public Law Outline (PLO), a new case management protocol for child care proceedings. He said “We have to recognise that the number and complexity of child care cases are increasing in a way that is straining resources to the limit.” The new system of case management has been trialled in ten pilot areas. The PLO is designed to improve the way in which child care proceedings are handled by local authorities, advocates, CAFCASS and the courts.
From 1 April 2008 the PLO will be rolled out nationally. To coincide with this, on the same date, the new Practice Direction for Experts in Family Proceedings Relating to Children will come into force