It can be daunting for your managers to face an employment tribunal as a witness.
Not only is there the uncertainty and pressure, but countless other things will be running through their mind too: how to decipher the legal terminology or understand the processes?
Most of all, how to give evidence in a court? What about nerves? What if they don’t know the answer? What if they feel overwhelmed? Stressed?
Providing the witness with the knowledge of how a tribunal process works, how to address the Employment Judge and how to create the right impression, not only provides them with reassurance and greater confidence, but supports you as their employer with your case when a witness performs well.
Vista is offering a public course to address all these concerns and give your managers the skills they need to set up for success. Please make an enquiry below for more information. The training will be relevant to Employment Tribunal proceedings in England and Wales, but we can include Scotland if needed (only as an in-house course).
Tips from our Employment Law team
Learning Objectives
By the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to:
- Identify and interpret the vocabulary used by parties when preparing for, and within, a hearing.
- Explain the processes and practices undertaken at an employment tribunal.
- Outline the proceedings of an employment tribunal hearing.
- Define the role of a witness and:
- Demonstrate the traits of an effective witness.
- Recognise the purpose of cross-examination and what a good “performance” looks like.
- Respond to challenging questions during cross-examination confidently and credibly.
- Develop a coping strategy in order to prepare mentally and emotionally before, during and after the hearing
- Show an understanding of what to do after the employment tribunal hearing.
Course Overview
| Topic | Content |
|---|---|
| Introductions and welcomes | The trainer will make introductions and set the objectives of the day. Including: - Ground rules for your organisation’s confidentiality. - Difference between coaching and training. |
| Vocabulary | With the use of interactive exercises, the trainer will decode: - Words, phrases, and abbreviations likely to be heard at tribunal, and during the preparation for the main hearing. |
| Processes, Practices, and Proceedings | The trainer will clearly explain and demonstrate, with true-to-life examples: - Reasons why a case goes to Tribunal - Steps that are taken before the main hearing. - The process of the main hearing (in face to face and remote hearings). - The roles and functions at tribunal. |
| How to be a witness | Practice exercises using a case-study in the following crucial areas, plus trainer -led discussion of: - Where a witness fits in to the case preparation and proceedings. - What to expect as a witness, your responsibilities and how to prepare: - Being confident with the witness statement and associated documents. - Familiarising with courtroom and facilities, or online tribunal requirements. - Witness appearance and conduct when giving evidence and at all times during the tribunal process (face to face and online). - How to use the right vocabulary to support the witness statement/case and give credibility to it. |
| Lunch | |
| Coping strategies | The trainer will explain these essential strategies and provide guidance while delegates practice and develop their strategies: - Preparation activities to make the tribunal less daunting. - Speaking up if something is hard to understand. - Techniques to remain calm before and during the hearing. - Who to refer to and when, if support is needed. |
| Cross-examination | A chance for delegates to practise being a witness in a safe environment: - The purpose of cross examination and what to expect as a witness. - How to respond to challenging, leading and closed questions. - The importance of listening and correcting misinterpretations. |
| After the main hearing | A trainer-led discussion about: - What to ask HR. - The importance of confidentiality. |
| What will you do differently after today? |