§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to review the guidance and training available to judges, magistrates and other court officials in dealing with witnesses with learning or communication difficulties. [18986]
§ Mr. HoonJudicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB), which is a non-departmental governmental body. The JSB has held a number of sessions in both induction and continuation training on equal treatment, including dealing with people with learning or communication difficulties, and is considering how training in this area might be developed.
Lay Magistrate training is organised and delivered by Magistrates Courts Committees based on syllabuses, advice and guidance from the JSB. Lay magistrates already address the issue of equality of treatment for all in the light of their judicial oath and the JSB has recently begun a project to develop and pilot training materials to ensure equality of treatment issues are incorporated into all aspects of magistrates training.
Staff in the Court Service receive training on customer service skills as part of an induction programme. This programme includes training on communication skills and dealing with customers including those with special needs. Further training in this area is also available to all staff whose work brings them into contact with members of the public. The Court Service makes no distinction in the training of court officials dealing with witnesses—all customers should be treated appropriately and with courtesy.
A review of the induction programme for court staff is planned as part of the work towards achieving recognition as an "Investor in People" in 1999.