Understanding the importance of how to conduct and manage an investigation is an essential skill for those who enforce legislation.

This practical five day course aims to give delegates the skills and knowledge required to effectively enforce The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (The Order). Delegates will be provided with core skills necessary to prepare a prosecution file and comply with the rules of evidence and disclosure.

Advice will be given in relation to courtroom procedures and delegates will attend a mock Court where they will experience cross examination and the presentation of evidence as an expert witness.

Throughout the course, support, tuition and expert advice will be provided by a sepecialist team made up of FPA technical instructors, a barrister and serving magistrate.

All those involved in the enforcement of the fire safety order including those who gather the evidence and present it in court and managers who are required to decide when formal enforcement action through the Courts is appropriate and necessary

Learning outcomes

Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to return to the workplace and to demonstrate competency in the following fire safety advisor manager level N/SVQ Units at Level 3 and 4:

• FSB 1.2: Investigate and report on events to inform future practice - report the findings and conclusion of an investigation.
• FSB 15.4: Determine solutions to hazards - present evidence at formal proceedings

You will develop:

• a knowledge of the offences, duties and powers contained within the fire safety order
• an understanding of how to structure interviews and obtain optimum results by the use of appropriate questioning and listening skills
• a greater understanding of how to document evidence received and how to present that evidence in court

• Make contemporaneous notes
• Identify when an offence has been committed
• understand when caution is required
• conduct interviews in accordance with the rules of PACE, taped and non-taped
• understand the rules of evidence and continuity of exhibits
• manage witness statements
• prepare and present evidence at Magistrates/Crown Court
• understand the concept "expert evidence"

Delegates will acquire a working knowledge of:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Codes of PRactice (PACE)
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
• Criminal Justice Act 2003

The tutors will emphasise the need to ensure that any evidence including interviewing of witnesses and suspects, is gathered in accordance with PACE and the associated codes of practice.

Certification

FPA Certificate