Vulnerable Person Practitioner Course EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Please complete this form to register your interest in the next Vulnerable Person Practitioner Course 

 

The course will run over 6 months beginning on the 25th November 2026, with monthly meetings to include presentations, workshops, advocacy and communication skills.  The course will benefit from the input of experts and specialists who can train solicitors in working with children, people on the autistic spectrum, those coping with mental health issues, learning difficulties or other disabilities and vulnerabilities which affect communication.

Such training will be of great benefit to solicitors in many fields of practice and indeed was a recommendation from Sir John Gillen’s reviews into sexual offences and Civil and Family justice.

The Vulnerable Person Practitioner Course is split into five modules.  Each module has 3 stages: 

• Independent preparation (2 hours)
• Face-to-face training in Law Society House (4 hours - afternoon) 
• Submission of online post-training reflection (1 hour)

The successful completion of three modules means that you will be eligible to receive the Vulnerable Person Practitioner Certificate and use an approved Vulnerable Person Practitioner logo on your headed paper. Anyone interested in obtaining the certificate must successfully complete Module 1 and Module 2; thereafter you may select any number/combination of modules you wish.

Those not wishing to obtain the certificate but still interested in developing their skills in this field may register for any number/combination of modules of their choosing.

Discounts are available to those booking more than one module:

1 module - £350 + VAT

2 modules - £650 + VAT

3 modules - £950 + VAT (minimum number required to receive certification)

4 modules - £1200 + VAT

5 modules - £1400 + VAT

The modules and dates are as set out below:
 
*Module 1 - Wed 25 Nov 2026: Introduction to Working with Vulnerable People (compulsory to obtain Vulnerable Person Practitioner Certificate)

An interactive session in which you will learn how to recognise a vulnerable client and how to communicate with different people in different ways exploring the guidance available and legal requirements. 

*Module 2 - Wed 9 Dec 2026: Working with Other Agencies to support Vulnerable People (compulsory to obtain Vulnerable Person Practitioner Certificate)

Working with expert bodies to build skills and resources to enhance communication skills and make it easier to work with clients and witnesses to get the best information and evidence from them.

Module 3 - Wed 13 Jan 2027: Vulnerable Witnesses in a Criminal Context including Advocacy 

Hands-on learning to learn how to ask better questions and adjust skill set so that you can examine witnesses with recognised vulnerabilities in accordance with the relevant criminal Practice Directions.

Module 4 - Wed 3 Feb 2027: Vulnerable Witnesses in a Family Context including Advocacy 

How to adapt your examination and interviewing skills to communicate effectively with family clients using bespoke case files.

Module 5 - Wed 24 Feb 2027: Vulnerable Witnesses in a Non-contentious Context including written communication

How to adapt your skills to enhance the service you provide to a range of clients using effective written and oral communication using case studies.

The course can be split over 2 CPD years and can provide all your CPD hours for each year, excluding compulsory requirements e.g., Compulsory Conveyancing/Risk Management (if applicable).

Please submit your details by July 12th 2026 to be notified when booking for this course.