02 October 2023 Simon Berney-Edwards 2853 News Criminal Practice Directions - Revised Declaration of Truth by Simon Berney-Edwards The second amendment updates the declaration of truth used in expert reports. From 2nd October 2023, the Forensic Science Regulator: Code of Practice will require an expert witness to declare that they have acted in accordance with their relevant code or identify areas of non-compliance and provide details of steps taken to mitigate the risks associated with the non-compliance. This amendment will ensure that the expert witness’s declaration required by the Criminal Procedure Rules is consistent with the new declaration required by the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice. The new point 13 from the declaration reads: “I confirm that I have complied with the code of practice or conduct for experts of my discipline, namely [identify the code], in all respects save as identified in [schedule][annexe][x] to this report. That [schedule][annexe] gives details of the action taken to mitigate any risk of error that might arise as a result.” We have updated the Knowledge Hub accordingly. Share Print Tags 06. Rules and Regulations11. Report Writing Related articles New Guide to Becoming an Expert Witness Take care not to conflate your role as a contractor with your duties as an expert witness Podcast Episode 26: Expert Advisor versus Expert Witness Disclosure and redaction of medical and safeguarding records Gary Alexander MacDougall v Lloyd Philip Thomas & Ors [2026] EWHC 1142 (Ch) Switch article Stay within your expertise - you don’t become an expert by virtue of having acquired knowledge in the course of the case itself Previous Article Guidance for Expert Witnesses submitting reports for cases in the new Civil Intermediate Track Next Article Comments are only visible to subscribers.