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Present oral evidence in court about water fittings contravention

URN: EUSWFRBE5
Business Sectors (Suites): Water Fittings Regulations/Byelaws Enforcement
Developed by: Energy & Utility Skills
Approved on: 2024

Overview

This Standard is about presenting evidence about water fittings contravention in court. This could be as a witness or expert witness.

It involves using the behaviour expected by the court including using the correct forms of address. It also includes speaking audibly and explaining technical detail in a way that can be understood by non-technical people, and presenting evidence that is consistent with the written details covering the non-compliance issue.

This Standard is for water fittings compliance inspectors who present evidence in court.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. make sure appearance and behaviour in court conforms to that which is expected for the court in which you are appearing
  2. deliver evidence in an audible and understandable manner
  3. give evidence that is consistent with the contents of the written details of the case
  4. present labelled evidence to be used in a court of law in line with court procedures
  5. deal with questions in a truthful and impartial manner, using concise and unambiguous language
  6. give accurate information about any cautions that were issued to defendants while cases were being prepared for prosecution
  7. challenge or verify items used in defence in line with court procedures
  8. answer specific questions with relevant technical explanations which are understandable to non-technical people
  9. make a clear differentiation between fact and opinion when presenting oral evidence, expressing opinions only when asked
  10. ensure all responses are within the limits of own expertise
  11. differentiate presentation manner in compliance with specified role of witness or expert witness

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the details of the case including chorological timeline , persons involved and their relationship to the case, identified non- compliance, legal procedure
  2. water fittings legislation and the wider implications of non- compliance
  3. regulator specifications, appropriate British standards and approved installation methods including Type BA devices (reduced pressure zone valves) and what is required to be notified by customer prior to installation
  4. how to apply water fitting legislation to different plumbing systems
  5. what constitutes a contravention of legislation for different types of plumbing systems
  6. what is considered to be acceptable appearance and behaviour for appearance in court
  7. court procedures and forms of address
  8. communication skills with regard to speaking and listening
  9. how to give technical explanations in a non-technical manner
  10. How to cross reference label evidence to be used in a court of law, including photographs, water fittings removed from premises
  11. differences in responsibilities and behaviour as a witness or expert witness
  12. the limits of personal expertise and the importance of recognising these
  13. how to challenge or verify items used in defence, including certificates of compliance issued by approved contractors
  14. whether a caution was issued to the defendant when preparing a case for prosecution

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Energy & Utility Skills

Original URN

EUSWFRBE5

Relevant Occupations

Engineering and Construction Trades, Law and Legal Services, Water Inspector

SOC Code

Keywords

water; fittings; regulation; byelaws; legislation; compliance; contravention; contamination; court; legal; enforcement;