Representation: The EWI makes representations, on behalf of experts, to Government and to professional bodies and associations wherever appropriate. Representations were made to the Lord Chancellor's Department in response to the Civil Procedure Rules Committee on the new Court Rules when they were in draft form, in so far as they affect experts. The Institute also submitted a response to Lord Justice Auld in respect of his review of the criminal courts procedure. The Institute supported and was represented in the working party on the Code of Guidance on Expert Evidence and were consulted on the new Expert’s Protocol. The Institute is represented on the Experts Committee of the Civil Justice Council.
Training and Education: There is an important role for the EWI to play in ensuring that the experts, who are recognised by the court under the new Rules to provide reports and expert evidence, are competent and fully cognisant of their responsibilities. EWI runs a Basic Law Course and members have access to other approved expert witness training courses at discounted rates. Regular evening seminars are held throughout the year on topical issues. An Annual Conference is held once a year and joint conferences with other leading organisations are held regularly. Members enjoy discounts to all events. Attendance to our events can count towards individual CPD/CPE requirements with the Royal Colleges, the Bar Council, The Law Society and the Institute of Legal Executive.
Website: Up-to-the-minute access to all the important expert witness documents, information about forthcoming events, details on membership and the latest EWI news. There is also the option for members to advertise their services on the EWI website. The EWI website’s hit rate continues to grow and many visitors to the site are solicitors looking to instruct experts.
EWI Publications: The EWI Newsletter, issued three times a year, is free to all members, is it contains articles of interest to expert witnesses, letters from members and the latest case notes, all designed to make sure experts have access to the most up-to-date information. The Governors have approved an Expert’s Declaration which complies with the requirements of CPR Part 35, a Model Form of Expert’s Report and Terms and Conditions of Engagement which experts can use when being instructed by solicitors.
Discounts on External Publications: "Experts in the Civil Courts" has been completed under the editorship of Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC, which Oxford University Press published in EWI's name in August 2006. It is expected to become the standard work on the subject. The book is now available to EWI members at a special discount of 25%. The Institute commissioned from Allen & Overy a “Compendium of expert witness cases under CPR from April 1999 to April 2001” which was published by Sweet & Maxwell and has won universal praise as a key guide to the duties and responsibilities of expert witnesses. Which is now offered to EWI members at a special rate of £10
Helpline: Free and unlimited use of the EWI Helpline, offering support and advice to expert witnesses and solicitors alike.
Expert Referral Service: Free inclusion for corporate, individual and provisional members. Our Expert Referral Service, a continuously growing service, is used primarily by solicitors and others seeking experts to instruct.
Certification: All members are issued with a certificate as proof of membership
Mentoring: all Provisional Members are assigned a mentor from one of the Fellows of the Institute, to assist them in gaining full membership.
Professional Indemnity Insurance Package: The EWI PI package for individual members provides £1million cover for all expert witness work at a cost of £100 per annum plus £5.00 IPT.
Discounted Hotel Accommodation: The EWI has organised discount up to 45% per night in 10 different hotels across London with the Grange Hotel Group. Best Western hotels are offering members a discount of 20% in their hotels UK wide. For booking forms for these offers please contact the office.
Lunch in the Gray’s Inn: The EWI has organised for members and their clients to be able to dine in the historic Gray’s Inn barristers’ dining room. Members wishing for waiter’s service will be charged an extra £1. Please contact the office to book your lunch.