Effective Records, Reports and Witness Skills for Healthcare Professionals
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Excellence in Section 32 Report Writing
Develop the legal understanding, report-writing skills and confidence required when preparing a Section 32 report and giving written evidence in family-law proceedings.
295
Online
1 day
About this course
Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended, allows a court to obtain expert assistance in proceedings concerning a child. The court may direct the preparation of a written expert report on a question affecting the child’s welfare, appoint an expert to ascertain and convey the child’s views, or do both.
This one-day course is designed for suitably qualified professionals who prepare, or may be asked to prepare, reports under Section 32. It examines the legal function of these reports, the importance of accurate records and the principles of clear, objective and evidence-based report writing.
Why choose this course
A Section 32 report can become important evidence in family-law proceedings. Its content, structure and underlying records may be closely examined by the court and challenged by the parties.
This course helps participants understand their responsibilities to the court and approach report writing with greater clarity, independence and objectivity.
The programme reflects the current statutory framework and the Courts Service’s 2026 judicial guidelines on expert reports in family-law proceedings.
Course syllabus
What will you learn
By the end of this course, participants will be better able to:
- Explain the purpose and function of Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended.
- Distinguish between a welfare report under Section 32(1)(a) and the appointment of an expert to ascertain and convey a child’s views under Section 32(1)(b).
- Understand the scope of the court order and the questions the expert has been asked to address.
- Recognise the expert’s overriding duties of independence, objectivity and impartiality.
- Understand the importance and evidential function of clear, accurate and contemporaneous records.
- Apply relevant data-protection principles.
- Use professional records appropriately when preparing a report.
- Select an appropriate structure, format and plain-English writing style.
- Identify the relevant issues, information sources and weight to be attached to the available material.
- Distinguish direct knowledge, indirect information, disputed facts, professional observations and expert opinion.
- Explain the methodology used and the basis for any conclusions or recommendations.
- Review a report with an objective and critical eye.
- Understand how a Section 32 report may be received and examined in legal proceedings.
Who should attend
This course is suitable for appropriately qualified professionals who prepare, or may be considered for appointment to prepare, Section 32 reports, including eligible professionals working in areas such as.
- Psychology and child and adolescent mental health.
- Social work and social care.
- Child development and family support.
- Speech and language therapy, where the relevant statutory requirements are met.
- Other professional disciplines relevant to the particular welfare issues before the court.
The course may also be relevant to experienced professionals who support assessments, manage sensitive records or need to understand how professional evidence is used in family-law proceedings.
Attendance does not, by itself, qualify a participant for appointment as a Section 32 expert. Eligibility depends on the applicable legislation, regulations, professional qualifications, experience and the decision of the court.
This is a practical and interactive course delivered in a small-group setting. It combines legal guidance and report analysis.
The small-group format allows participants to practise answering questions and receive focused feedback.
Your Trainer – Niamh Flynn
Legal Programme Developer and Trainer
Niamh Flynn is a solicitor and now works as a full-time Legal Programme Developer and Trainer with La Touche Training.
...
Practical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Register to attend:
# SELECTED
| Course Dates | Location | Price | Spaces Left | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29/10/26 i 29/10/2026 09:30 - 16:30 | Zoom Online | €395.00 | 6 |
Prepare your Section 32 report. Defend your methodology.
FAQs
Under Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended, the court may direct the preparation of a written expert report on a question affecting a child’s welfare. The court may also appoint an expert to ascertain and convey the child’s views. These are distinct functions under Section 32(1)(a) and Section 32(1)(b).
The course explains the distinction between welfare reports under Section 32(1)(a) and child’s-views appointments under Section 32(1)(b). The detailed report-writing component focuses principally on preparing an objective, properly structured welfare report in accordance with the scope of the court order and current judicial guidance.
No. Completing the course does not confer eligibility or guarantee appointment by a court. Professionals must meet any applicable qualification and experience requirements and remain within their professional competence.
The course considers data protection in the context of court-directed assessments and reports. This includes safeguarding sensitive personal data, appropriate handling of records, retention and destruction protocols, and the interaction between data protection and court proceedings.
Yes. A report may be received as evidence, and its content, methodology, conclusions or recommendations may be challenged. An expert can be called to give oral evidence and may be examined or cross-examined about the report.
No. This is a focused one-day programme for professionals involved in Section 32 family-law reports. It covers the statutory context, child welfare, sensitive records, data protection, the scope of the court order and the particular responsibilities of a Section 32 expert.
The two-day Report Writing and Courtroom Skills course is a broader programme for expert witnesses and other professionals across different legal and professional settings.
