Court Skills Training: Care Proceedings and Fact-Finding Hearings
Friday 17 April 2026, 9:15-16:15 BST
Coram Campus, London
Course Director: Sharon Mudhar, Deputy Trust Solicitor & Head of Education for Legal, Great Ormond Street Hospital
*With guest speakers from New Court Chambers
Event overview:
Strengthen your confidence, sharpen your legal understanding, and elevate your courtroom performance with this engaging one-day Court Skills Training course.
This course offers a practical, comprehensive introduction to Care Proceedings and Fact-Finding Hearings, including a clear, accessible overview of the Children Act 1989, statutory duties, and the respective roles of the Local Authority and NHS.
You will gain invaluable insights into key legal principles, learn what the Court expects from witnesses of fact, and refine your written and oral evidence through practical exercises. The day concludes with a mock trial, led by experienced Family Law barristers, giving you an opportunity to practise giving evidence and experience cross-examination in a supportive learning environment.
Whether you are new to the Court arena or seeking to refresh your skills, this course equips you with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to deliver effective, professional evidence with clarity and authority.
With thanks to guest speakers from New Court Chambers
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand the Children Act 1989, the duty to safeguard, and the statutory framework guiding Care Proceedings.
- Recognise the Local Authority’s obligations and the essential NHS contribution in Child Protection cases.
- Explain the key legal principles underpinning Care Proceedings, including Legal Threshold and significant harm.
- Navigate the Court process confidently and understand your responsibilities as a professional witness.
- Strengthen your written evidence skills through a statement writing exercise, focused on accuracy, clarity, and best practice.
- Take part in a dynamic mock trial, including cross-examination by leading Family Law barristers.
- Develop the skills, techniques, and courtroom awareness required to deliver high-quality evidence in Court.
Programme:
The programme is attached
Who should attend?
Consultants, Resident Doctors, Senior Nurses, ACPs and Safeguarding Service
Event pricing:
GOSH Staff: £225
External Delegates: £345
Includes lunch and refreshments
Invoice payments: Please email events.gla@gosh.nhs.uk if you need to pay via invoice through your Trust/organisation.
GOSH staff: GOSH staff wishing to attend can either a) pay via debit/credit card (if they plan to self-fund their ticket) or b) apply through the Study Leave Fund or departmental funds (where applicable). Those applying via route b should follow the process on the study leave application form. Please email events.gla@gosh.nhs.uk if you require assistance.
Registration:
Tickets will remain on sale until Friday 10 April 2026, 9:00am.
Two fictional case studies are being sent to delegates to read ahead of the course. If you book a ticket close to the event date, please ensure you have time to read these in advance.
Please note this event is not being recorded and will not be available to view after the event.
