People who act as expert witnesses perform a crucial role in judicial proceedings in the UK. Judges and other tribunals depend on their opinions to understand technical evidence before them, and thus make informed decisions. However, in recent years the role of expert witness has become more onerous and the demands of instructing parties have increased.
To an extent, this can be traced back to the 2011 Supreme Court decision in Jones v Kaney, which abolished immunity in negligence for expert witnesses. One consequence of this decision has been greater care taken by instructing parties to ensure they appoint suitably qualified and able expert witness.
As an institution, which is regulated by a Royal Charter, a primary duty of RICS is to maintain quality and ensure chartered surveyors discharge their professional duties to the highest standards. In recent years, RICS has developed a new qualification and status for expert witnesses in property and the built environment. What follows is a brief outline of five factors which RICS has focussed on when developing the Expert Witness Accreditation Service (EWAS). Continue reading.
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