The Family Justice Council (FJC) and the British Psychological Society have published guidance on 'Psychologists as expert witnesses in the family courts in England and Wales: Standards, competencies and expectations'.

The joint FJC and Ministry of Justice standards for expert witnesses in the family courts in England and Wales form the basis of a mandatory minimum standard to guide all stakeholders when instructing expert witnesses in family proceedings.

The new guidance should be read alongside these standards and provides information to all stakeholders regarding the use of psychologists as expert witnesses in the family courts, with a focus on regulation, codes of conduct, competencies, supervision/peer review and quality of service. A useful checklist is also included.

Click here to view the full guidance.