News

Rod Appleyard has been practising as an Expert Witness for almost 28 years, specialising in the forensic investigation of fenestration and building envelope defects. He shares what led him to the Expert Witness field; his advice for starting out; and why volunteering in a war zone changed his outlook on work and life.   

We’re starting a new EWI series with A spotlight on… the Post Office Horizon Scandal which looks at how the Post Office failed to listen to, and act on, expert advice. EWI member and IT and digital forensics expert, Jason Coyne, first spotted errors in the Horizon system in 2003 while working as a Single Joint Expert, only to have his findings dismissed by the Post Office. Jason tells us more about his involvement in the case, including how he later acted as an Expert Witness in the sub-postmasters’ case against the Post Office.

EWI Honorary Fellow Tony Saggers has been a drug trafficking Expert Witness since 1995, alongside a career in law enforcement that spanned 30 years. Formerly the National Crime Agency’s Head of Drugs Threat and Intelligence, he now runs a consultancy providing anti-organised crime strategy solutions, child safeguarding from criminal exploitation advice, and Expert Witness training. Here, he provides a glimpse into his long and varied career and explains the importance of impartiality, communication, and evolution in the Expert Witness field.

We invited The Honourable Mr Justice Williams, High Court judge and chair of The Family Justice Council Subcommittee on Experts, to share his views on criticism.

How can experts adapt and grow professionally in an ever-changing environment?

Lady Justice Simler considered the practical things that Experts can do to enhance their credibility.

Kay reflects on the changes she has experienced in the Expert Witness field during her time on the EWI Board and her ongoing participation in the JFSA victims’ Post Office claims.

Sir Martin Spencer, told us more about the case and explains why experts shouldn’t be afraid to change tack.

Francis explains why his lived experience is key to his work and how being an Expert Witness helps him give back to society.

We take a look at how the distinction between being an independent Expert Witness is crucial in a court case.