Close up of hands - one person is handing a card which says "It's going too fast" to an intermediary.

Intermediaries can assist court users with communication differences and difficulties in a wide range of settings, subject to approval by the decision maker(s) in the case.

Our team have assisted court users in employment and immigration tribunals, coroners’ court, parole hearings, financial remedy proceedings, the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearings and many other cases.

Intermediary assessments and reports

Following an intermediary assessment, we will make a recommendation regarding whether an intermediary will help ensure your client’s effective participation.

In some cases, the assessor may conclude that your client does not require an intermediary to participate effectively, or that they are unlikely to be able to effectively participate, even with intermediary assistance. Even when an intermediary is not recommended, Communicourt reports typically provide a detailed record of your client’s communication profile, and wider recommendations to support their participation, including any special measures they may need.

Before the assessment, it may be helpful to provide the individual with information about the intermediary role and assessment process prior to their appointment. This ‘What is an intermediary assessment’ explainer may assist.

Intermediary support during proceedings

In cases where an intermediary is recommended following assessment, an intermediary can then be booked to attend meetings, conferences and hearings (subject to approval by the decision marker(s) in the case).

From checking understanding and providing support (such as visual aids) to explain abstract legal concepts in conferences, to providing real-time simplification in hearings, the way in which an intermediary assists an individual will vary according to that person’s communication strengths, needs, and the strategies which were observed to be effective during the assessment.

Unrepresented parties

Intermediaries can also assist unrepresented parties. However, it’s important to be aware that there are some restrictions placed on the role in this instance. While many key forms of support can be provided as usual (e.g., real-time assistance in hearings and during evidence), any strategies implemented outside of court (such as explanations, recaps or the provision of easy-read notes) must be monitored or reviewed by an appropriate legal practitioner (such as the Judge in the case).

Make a referral using our online portal or call us on 0121 663 0931 to discuss options for an individual with suspected communication needs in legal proceedings.

To learn more about the intermediary role, visit The Access Brief – a bank of free bite-sized guides developed for legal professionals by intermediaries.

Here you will find information about the impact of communication needs in Immigration cases, Parole hearings and much more, including specific guidance on working with clients with common conditions which impact communication.

Testimonials


I just wanted to pass on some feedback in relation to your intermediary who has been assisting our client both yesterday and today. They were absolutely brilliant. They were very well prepared and helped to make matters run very smoothly.

ALEX PANAYIDES, HAYMAN SOLICITORS


“I should like to take this opportunity to express my huge gratitude for the sterling assistance given by your intermediary. She has helped me greatly with how best to speak to my client, and she was absolutely invaluable during cross examination with many constructive suggestions about rephrasing questions. The judge has been extremely receptive to your intermediary’s advice.”

BARRISTER, 4PB