Professional Qualifications: BAMScDPM
Chartered FCIPD Cert Couns FRSA
Member of: BACP
Institute of Careers Guidance Association for Coaching VRA CMSUK (Click for full definition)
Other Languages: German
French (A level standard)
Dispute Resolution Skills:
Yes
Single Joint Expert:
Yes
Annual Reports: 20
Court Appearances: (last 2 years) 2
Geographical Area of Work: UK
Types of case:
Civil Publicly Funded
Expertise and Experience:
Loss of earnings; employment prospects following illness or injury; employment prospects including for young people; rehabilitation; education and retraining recommendations; careers counselling and practical help; assessment and training for work readiness; psychometric testing; reasonable adjustments; unemployment; labour market research.
I have worked part time as an expert witness since 1995: mostly in PI or clinical negligence but also within the tribunal system. I am trained and experienced in cross examination and courtroom skills.I have always tried to keep a healthy balance between Claimant- and Defendant-instructed cases. I often work as a single joint expert.
My reports are succinct and highly personalised - I do not believe in including lots of irrelevant statistics. Whenever possible I like to visit the Claimant in his or her own home, as this makes it a much more closely focused report. I am happy to travel and have completed reports all over the UK including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
I am happy to accept instructions on either an hourly rate or on a fixed fee basis. I can usually complete a report within three weeks of receipt of full instructions, depending on the complexity and providing the Claimant is available for interview during that time.
Career:
My first degree was in English Language and Literature, and I followed this up with a post-graduate Diploma in Personnel Management. From a background in HR I moved into higher education careers work, later working with disabled people who were seeking to enter or rejoin the labour market. I trained as a counsellor, trainer and supervisor, and in psychometric testing, as these were all useful skills to have when working with people.
I have also had recent experience of setting up and running an employment services element of a case management/rehabilitation company, as well as providing the professional development for a New Deal for Disabled People service in London. I have trained many employers, careers advisers and others on disability management and the practical implications of disability legislation. In the 1990s I was Managing Partner of EDAS, the employment expert witness service based in London. During this time I took a part time Masters degree at Birkbeck, London University, in Organisational Behaviour, and was subsequently invited to teach on a sessional basis on their careers module.
I have published extensively on the subject of disability and work, for various audiences including line managers, careers advisers, health professionals and HR people. I have also developed many useful materials for people to use who are seeking work but need some support in this.
I now work as a careers coach for people dealing with career dilemmas, offer training and consultancy to employers and individuals on issues relating to job retention, careers and diversity (including stress management), do some part time lecturing in higher education, and run Rehabwindow Limited (www.rehabwindow.net), the web portal offering information and signposts on issues to do with workplace rehabilitation. As part of this I edit the monthly e-newsletter, RehabReview. This all feeds into the employment expert witness service I offer as my other work helps me keep up to date with developments in the field.
Lawyer Referees:
Hazel F Hammonds
Advocate Solicitor
Mannin Chambers
Third Floor Atlantic House
4-8 Circular Road
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1AG
T + 44 (0)1624 641580
Matthew Waterworth
Solicitor - Litigation Employment & Education Team
Legal & Democratic Services, Kent County Council
Sessions House, County Hall
Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XQ
T. 01622 694522
Disclaimer: Lawyer referees can recommend the services of this expert based upon their own professional experience in working with them. They are not liable for any future loss arising out of any act or omission by this expert.
