A Registered Intermediary is an independent communication specialist who usually has a background in speech and language therapy, teaching or social work. They help both vulnerable witnesses and criminal practitioners (such as barristers, advocates and case workers) at every stage of the criminal process, from police investigation to trial.
Providing testimony or answering questions in a criminal trial can be a distressing and confusing experience. It can be particularly challenging for the thousands of witnesses, defendants and victims who have learning, mental and physical disabilities or disorders.
For the most vulnerable people, the presence of a Registered Intermediary can make the difference between the ability to give evidence or not.