Expert witness reports are often critical in shaping asylum decisions, providing essential context on the conditions that force individuals to flee their home countries. To be effective and accepted by the Tribunal's Immigration and Asylum Chamber (IAC), these reports must meet detailed legal and procedural standards.
Following the success of the first-ever June session, the University of London's Refugee Law Initiative (RLI) is offering further one-day intensive courses to equip participants with the skills needed to produce expert reports that comply with the latest First-tier Tribunal (IAC) Practice Direction requirements. Drawing on extensive experience from Dr Victorie Knox and supervising lawyers at the RLI Law Clinic, the course guides participants through structuring, substantiating, and presenting evidence in a way that is credible, comprehensive, and useful to the Tribunal.
The next one-day sessions are scheduled for 22nd September and 5th December 2025 at Senate House, University of London. Places are strictly limited, and you'll need to register several weeks ahead of time first (applications are reviewed by the RLI to ensure participants have the requisite expertise to act as expert witnesses in asylum cases). A discount is available for people listed in the EIN Directory of Experts.
The inaugural June session was praised by participants, garnering 100% approval. Feedback highlighted how even experienced report writers gained clarity, confidence, and practical insights to improve their work.
The course is ideal for researchers and professionals who have prior expert witness experience or specialist knowledge of human rights, displacement dynamics, and conflict situations in refugee-sending countries, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Specific topics include political or religious persecution, gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ issues, and statelessness.
Participants will also benefit from practical guidance on navigating this increasingly complex field, including sponsor requirements, fees, advertising expertise, and working ethically while protecting wellbeing. With UK experts able to charge up to £120 per hour for reports, the course provides excellent value and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to well-informed asylum decisions.
Please see https://rli.sas.ac.uk/study-us/short-courses/expert-witness-training for further details and to apply.