In England and Wales, a 'Registered Intermediary assists in communication between lawyers and vulnerable witnesses in court cases. Many people attending court as victims or witnesses have difficulties understanding the questions that they are asked by lawyers. Registered Intermediaries have professional backgrounds in areas such as speech and language therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, education, or psychology.
They are also available to assist police officers interviewing vulnerable witnesses. In all cases, the intermediary completes a comprehensive assessment of the vulnerable person's communication needs and makes recommendations in a written report of how the person should be questioned.
Registered Intermediaries are not appropriate adults or expert witnesses whilst undertaking this role.
A new scheme was piloted in Northern Ireland in 2013 where vulnerable suspects and defendants at court are also able to access a Registered Intermediary.
In England and Wales, legislation has been passed (but not yet implemented) to enable vulnerable defendants to access an Intermediary whilst giving oral testimony at court. However, in the meantime, in the interest of justice, the Criminal Practice Directions (2013) allow the court the discretion to appoint an intermediary for a vulnerable defendant. The two largest providers of intermediaries for defendants in the criminal and family courts are Communicourt and Triangle.