We note that it is:

“The commission’s long-term aim… to arrive at a position where all experts, who are regularly instructed in Commission-funded cases, are accredited”.
We acknowledge the Commission’s recognition of the risk that “accreditation proposals may discourage experts in specialisms, where there is a shortage of those willing to carry out forensic work, from doing so”, we nonetheless wish to register our concern that accreditation across the board will be a major disincentive to experts considering engaging in medico-legal work. Moreover, while accreditation may have a place in respect of experts who provide opinion evidence on past events and causation, we doubt its place in the field of expert opinion on future placement and management.

We note that the Commission is not advocating compulsory accreditation, but are concerned that it should not consider that those who are not accredited will not be paid, or not be paid at the same rate, as those who are accredited.

This response has been prepared on behalf of the Family Justice Council, and has been expressly approved by the President of the Family Division, Chair of the Council and The Right Honourable Lord Justice Thorpe, Deputy Chair of the Council.