Mock Tribunal now part of CAB Social Security Advocacy Course

Attendees at the Social Security Advocacy Course with Louise Kyne, Legal Support Officer for Citizens Advice who provides the training

The CAB Social Security Advocacy Course run by Citizens Advice provides training for those who represent clients at Social Security Appeal Tribunals.  The course provides training on advocacy skills and looks at recent case law and its implications for appeals and is accredited by the Staffordshire University.  As part of the training trainees visit the Appeal Service in Belfast to give them some first-hand experience on how a tribunal is conducted.

In November, for the first time, trainees at the CAB Social Security Advocacy Course took part in a mock tribunal at Citizens Advice Regional Office as part of their training.  Patrick McGrath, solicitor from Rafferty McGrath & Co, presided over proceedings and assumed the role of a Legally Qualified Member of the tribunal. This was the first opportunity for the majority of trainees to hone their advocacy skills.

On the day of the mock tribunal the trainees assumed their role as advocates with courage and dedication. The trainees made submissions, adduced oral evidence from the appellant and responded to questions put to them by the tribunal. The trainees said the following about their experience of the mock tribunal:

“A great addition to the course. It gave me the opportunity to learn advocacy and presentation skills.”  

“Role play was great… gave real understanding to appeals.”

Solicitor, Patrick McGrath commented on the trainees:

“The standard of the trainees was excellent and they showed a depth of knowledge of their case, an ability to clearly and concisely discuss the merits of the case, put forward reasoned points and respond to questions from the Panel.  Thoroughly impressive!”

The next Social Security Advocacy course is due to start on Friday 14th January 2011 and will run every Friday for seven weeks.  Please contact Janet Sproule at Regional Office on 028 9023 1120 or sproulej@citizensadvice.co.uk if you are interested in attending the course.