Why questions in advance matter
Holly examines how questions in advance can help legal professionals and their clients. At the vast majority of Ground Rules Hearings, both in criminal and family cases, Communicourt intermediaries request questions in advance. This practice involves all advocates submitting their intended questions for the respondent, intervenor, witness or defendant to... Continue reading
What is trauma?
Rhianna explores how trauma can affect communication skills. “The physical trauma – or more precisely the memory of the trauma – acts like a foreign body which long after its entry must continue to be regarded as an agent that is still at work”. - Freud and Breuer Trauma is... Continue reading
What we learned from Stress Awareness Month 2022
One of our Team Leaders, Rachel, reflects on what we have learned from sharing experiences and tips for managing stress. The theme of this year's Stress Awareness Month was ‘community’, which the Stress Management Society defines as more than just a group of people. It’s about having a sense of belonging... Continue reading
Using receptive and expressive language
Effective communication requires a high level of language skills. When communicating with one another, people use a combination of both their receptive and expressive language. In this post, one of our intermediaries Miriam explores what these language skills are, and why many people don’t know the difference between the two.... Continue reading
The changing role of an intermediary: criminal court vs family court
Intermediaries have to adapt their practice to accommodate the environment they are working in. Holly talks about the changing role of an intermediary. The legal landscape has changed considerably over the past ten years, and the role of the intermediary has evolved since Communicourt was founded in 2011. Criminal courts... Continue reading
What is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder and how can we support it?
We work with a range of people, many of whom have a hidden disability. Communication difficulties are not immediately visible, Frankie talks about one of these called Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder. Communication difficulties come in many shapes and sizes, affecting anything from physical speech, storytelling skills, reading to attention. One... Continue reading
Communicourt selected as Managed and Approved supplier for new HMCTS Appointed Intermediary Service framework
Communicourt has been selected as a Managed and Approved Service Provider for the new HMCTS Appointed Intermediary Service framework. The new service framework will standardise support for vulnerable court and tribunal users, by providing clear guidance, standard booking processes and will set prices to ensure fairness and quality of service.... Continue reading
Communicourt signs Mental Health at Work Commitment
Communicourt has signed up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment, curated by Mind and supported by The Royal Foundation and Heads Together. In the UK last year, 41% of employees experienced poor mental health where work was a contributing factor (BITC and Bupa, 2020). The Commitment demonstrates mental health... Continue reading
Dementia: communication, capacity and court
What happens when someone with dementia finds themselves accused of a crime? Charlotte talks about how intermediaries can provide support with communication. Often portrayed as a condition where people suffer memory loss, the full impact of dementia is often misunderstood. Dementia has other symptoms, including difficulty with problem solving and... Continue reading
