If you are concerned that your client may have a communication difference or difficulty which will affect their effective participation in legal proceedings, arranging an intermediary assessment is an important step to take.
This assessment results in a report detailing the individual’s communication strengths and needs, any strategies likely to assist, whether an intermediary is recommended, and any addititional adaptations the court can make (with or without an intermediary) to support their participation.
If the report recommends intermediary assistance, an intermediary can then be booked to assist (subject to the approval of the court). Here’s how the process works…
Arranging an intermediary assessment
Arranging an intermediary assessment works differently in different legal areas. In criminal proceedings, for example, a referral can be made directly to an intermediary provider and funded through Legal Aid (if your client is eligible). In Family matters, the Court will need to approve an intermediary assessment. Applications in this context can be supported by formal diagnoses of a condition affecting communication, cognitive reports or clear recording of communication difficulties between the court user and their legal team.
If you require further support and advice regarding arranging an intermediary assessment, please contact us at admin@communicourt.co.uk or via telephone on 0121 663 0931 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4.45pm).
Making a referral
The next step is to make a referral for the intermediary assessment. At Communicourt, this process is straightforward.
Simply submit a referral through our online booking portal. If you have not used our service before, you will need to create an account first (this is a quick task), which you will then use to login each time you access our service (including for any future bookings).
After submitting the referral, you will recieve a quote within 24-48 hours. At this point, you can apply for funding through Legal Aid or HMCTS.
Once funding is arranged, complete the booking form we have sent and upload the funding information.
Preparing for the assessment
Our team will be in touch within 48 hours to arrange an assessment date. Assessments can take place at any professional location (e.g., solicitor’s offices, courts, prisons, Local Authority offices, parent and baby units etc.). Where necessary, assessments can be undertaken remotely. It may be helpful to share this easy-read guide to intermediary assessments with your client in advance.
Assessments are typically available within 2 weeks. If you require an emergency assessment (which we can usually accommodate within 24 hours), please call us on 0121 663 0931 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4.45pm).
Receiving the report
Following the assessment, the intermediary report will typically be complete and shared with you within 5 working days.
The report will state whether or not an intermediary is recommended, including details about the court user’s communication profile and any other recommendations which will support their effective participation.
Booking an intermediary for conferences and hearings
If the report recommends intermediary assistance for your client, an intermediary can be booked to assist, subject to court approval. Intermediaries can assist at a range of stages throughout proceedings, including conferences and other meetings (again, subject to the views of the court).
Following the assessment, once you have provided dates, we will send booking forms which you can complete to arrange an intermediary. These must be signed by the court and returned to Communicourt before the booking can be finalised. Once complete, an intermediary will attend the booking.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the referral and booking process, our Bookings team is here to help. Please contact us at admin@communicourt.co.uk or via telephone on 0121 663 0931 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4.45pm).
