Expert Witnesses

Expert Witnesses

We encourage the involvement of expert witness as part of your assessments and learning. Awarding body approval might also be required before an expert can be used. Expert witnesses may be used where there are no occupationally competent assessors for occupationally specific units or to minimise intrusion. Expert Witnesses should be used with professional discretion.

Those providing an expert witness testimony must be lead practitioners with experience of making judgements around competence. The circumstances that may allow for an expert witness testimony include:
– to convey prior learning within a specific age range required for the completion of this qualification.
– when assessment may cause distress to an individual, such as supporting a child with a specific need.
– a rarely occurring situation, such as dealing with an accident or illness.
– confidential situations, such as Safeguarding Strategy meetings, where it would be inappropriate for an assessor to observe the learner’s performance.

An expert witness must:
– Have a working knowledge of the QCF units for which they are providing witness testimony;
– Be occupationally competent in their area of expertise;
– Have either qualifications that includes assessment of workplace performance or a professional work role which involves evaluating everyday practice of staff.

The expert should complete our expert witness occupational competency declaration or provide a copy of their CV and copies of any relevant qualifications. It should be made clear within your assessment plan that expert witnesses are going to be used. Expert witnesses must be inducted into their role by Etutor Alliance.

Please note that any evidence from expert witnesses that have not been formally identified as part of your assessment strategy might not be accepted.