Written evidence is vital. Good written evidence can save a court appearance and legal costs. It must be clear, succinct, professional and well presented. We clarify the purpose of statements and reports, and how they will be used. Delegates will receive constructive feedback on their writing style and what the formal requirements are.

Report Writing is a one-day course that allows all health care professionals to look at what lawyers and the courts want from their documents. We ask up to 6 delegates to bring their own documents from completed cases. They receive feedback from our experienced solicitor or barrister trainer and from others on the course. Health care professionals are taught how to assess others’ documents and then how to assess their own. They are given a sample statement, report formats and case studies. They will learn the skills needed to create their own personalised format suited to their field by using the information received during the training.

• Identifying the issues you need to address
  
• Pitching the language at the right level
  
• Using appendices
  
• Using exhibits, photographies, diagrams and plans
  
• Formal requirements
  
• Amending a standard format to your own specific requirements
  
• Including professional guidelines
  
• Conducting a factual investigation that creates a foundation of fact
  
• Setting out your qualifications and experience
  
• How to get the agreement of the reader of the report