Intermediary

Giving a voice to vulnerable people within the Police and Court process. We work with witnesses or defendants who are deemed to be vulnerable by virtue of a mental disorder or a significant impairment of intelligence or social functioning.

Active Case Management provides an Intermediary to work with vulnerable people in the following situation: 

  • Accused of a crime and talking to the police 
  • Defendants in criminal trials 
  • Witnesses or claimant in civil litigation. 

An intermediary will facilitate effective communication with a vulnerable person, in doing so maximising their chances of understanding or responding clearly to questions asked of them in court as well as the court processes. 

The intermediary will complete an assessment of communication functioning and prepare detailed report to explain the difficulties and how others can tailor their communication to best support the vulnerable person. 

If you wish to discuss a particular case or learn more about the legal precedent, please contact us. Link to contact us form 

Registered intermediaries for vulnerable witnesses

A vulnerable person who has been the victim of a crime or who has witnessed a crime may be able to have support from a registered intermediary. This is one of the “Special Measures” made available to a vulnerable witness under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence ACT 1999 

The Police and the Crown Prosecution Service can make a referral for a Registered Intermediary by calling the witness Intermediary Team on 0845 000 5463  

Louise Sheffield qualified as a Registered Intermediary 2004 and has since supported many vulnerable individuals in giving evidence to the Police and at Court. 

Louise pioneered the role of Intermediary within the Civil Justice System, paving the way for vulnerable people to have their voice heard during civil litigation! 

Make a Referral

To make a referral please complete the form opposite. A member of the team at Active Case Management will respond to your request as soon as possible. Alternatively, please contact the office on 01942 396556 and one of our team will be happy to help.
We will not use your details for marketing purposes, or disclose your information to any third party.

Louise Wolsey

Director/Case Manager

Louise qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1996, before gaining hospital-based experience in various clinical fields and going on to specialise in Acquired Brain Injury in 1998. She has clinical expertise and significant experience in Cognitive Rehabilitation and, for eight years Louise was the Clinical Coordinator of an Interdisciplinary Specialist Rehabilitation Team within the NHS whilst also carrying a caseload of patients whose needs were highly complex and challenging. Using a Case Management Approach to pull together and co-ordinate all appropriate services, she ensured the best possible outcome for her patients. Since 2010 Louise has worked in the private sector as a Clinical Case Manager, holding a caseload of clients whose needs cover the whole spectrum of impairment including highly complex medical and psychosocial presentations. In 2004 she qualified as a Registered Intermediary and is accredited by the Ministry of Justice to work with vulnerable witnesses in this role as part of the Witness Intermediary Scheme. Her expertise and skills are also sought within the criminal justice system to facilitate communication with vulnerable defendants. In January 2016 she became the first Intermediary to facilitate communication with a vulnerable claimant during a civil trial. Louise has trained new Intermediaries and also assists to train the Police on working with vulnerable witnesses. Furthermore, she has spoken at numerous conferences on the topic of Intermediaries and other special measures for vulnerable people within the Courts. Louise is very proud to be a Trustee and Professional Advisor to Headway Preston and Chorley. Furthermore, she holds professional registration with the Health Professions Council and the British Association of Occupational Therapists, and is a member of The British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers. When not working Louise enjoys watching a lot of live music, upcycling furniture, and is kept busy driving her children around. 

Testimonials

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