Supporting Vulnerable Voices in the Criminal Justice System: Louise Kitchin – Speaker at Communicourt’s Training Day

On 13 September 2025, Louise Kitchin was invited as a guest speaker at Communicourt’s team training day, held at the Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham.

Communicourt is the largest provider of court-appointed intermediaries across England and Wales, and their work plays a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable individuals can participate meaningfully in court proceedings. Their dedication to clear, fair, and accessible communication helps safeguard one of the core principles of our justice system: that everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, should have the opportunity to be heard.

During the session, Louise spoke on the use of intermediaries in the Crown Court and the importance of ensuring their voices, and the voices of their service users, are recognised and valued. Too often, vulnerable individuals risk being overlooked within the process. Intermediaries bridge that gap, allowing the court to operate with both clarity and fairness.

The day also provided the opportunity for Louise to join a panel discussion with colleagues from across the sector. The Panel explored how barristers and intermediaries can work together more effectively, and the key role lawyers play in providing comprehensive information at the instruction stage so that assessments and reports are as useful as possible to the court.

Louise said, “What struck me most throughout the event was the resilience and professionalism of the Communicourt team. Their commitment to wellbeing, both for those they serve and for their own practitioners, was evident in every conversation. It is a shining example to all of us working within the criminal justice system of how investing in people creates stronger, more cohesive teams and, ultimately, better outcomes for justice.

It was a privilege to meet such dedicated professionals and to contribute to such an inspiring day of training, learning, and collaboration.”