In a recent article, featured in the latest edition of the ‘UK Register of Expert Witnesses Journal’ (Issue 109) the adequacy of an expert’s qualifications within their discipline was brought to light.

In the case of F v M [2022] EWFC 89, Davis J, sitting in the Family Court, heard an application from the mother of two children. Her application was for a reopening and rehearing of proceedings dealing with contact arrangements. The ground for the application was that the jointly instructed expert, a psychologist, was not eligible for chartered membership with her recognised professional bodies. 

Where there is a recognised professional body that regulates, monitor standards or imposes codes of practice in a particular discipline. It is a reasonable expectation that any expert instructed in that discipline will be recognised by that body. 

The role of an expert witness 

The role of an expert witness is to help the court achieve the overriding objective by giving their expert opinion, which is objective and unbiased, in relation to matters within their expertise. The expert should provide as much detail as is necessary to showcase that their opinions are well founded. 

Expert witnesses should only undertake instructions that they are competent and qualified to carry out and must stay within their area of expertise. They are chosen for their specialist knowledge, which can often be greater than that of their peers. Which, as pointed out above, is why it is reasonable to expect that the expert witness has the relevant qualifications needed to fulfil the role. 

Expert witnesses include doctors, psychologists, social workers and accommodation experts who play a key role in the judicial process by ensuring the decisions made by tribunals are fully informed.

France + Associates

At France + Associates we pride ourselves on the fact that all of our designers and expert witnesses are registered with a variety of different professional bodies.

We act as expert witnesses to provide accommodation reports for litigation purposes that address both the current and future needs of people who have been injured as a result of an accident or medical negligence. 

Managing Director, Jonathan France MCIAT acts as an expert witness in accommodation for cases involving medical, clinical or personal injury, providing accommodation reports on a number of cases, instructed by solicitors for defendants and claimants alike. He is a fellow of the CIAT, associate of the RICS and affiliate of the RIBA.

France + Associates is chartered with the CIAT and registered with the RICS. The value of an RICS accreditation is a clear indication of quality and competence and signals that the expert witness is: 

+        Formally assessed and qualified to rigorous RICS standards

+        Have been recognised by RICS as expert in their subject and in their duties to court and clients

+        Understand and comply with RICS practice statements, ethics and guidance for expert witnesses; keep up to date on law and practice, and are regularly assessed

+        Are subject to a quality assurance process, managed by RICS DRS 

France + Associates are regularly instructed by many of the UK’s leading injury law firms as Accommodation Experts.

Summary of services:

+      Instructed by the Claimant, Defendant or appointed as a Single Joint Expert

+      Home visit to meet with the Claimant and their family and/or carers

+      Consideration of all medical, care and therapy reports

+      Assessment of accommodation needs and requirements

+      Consideration of the suitability of the Claimant’s current home

+      Researching alternative suitable housing

+      Fully costed accommodation options

+      Preparation of Accommodation Report for disclosure as part of the compensation claim

For more information on how to instruct us, or for a confidential chat, please contact Jonathan France on 01484 960560 or email admin@franceandassociates.co.uk.