In todayís lawsuit-friendly world, it is vital that engineers understand the need for high professional standards in all aspects of their everyday practice. The SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), a membership organisation for engineers, is holding a professional witness training course in November, to provide attendees with the foundation to reinforce their work in a legal environment.
Bond Solon Training, a legal instruction consultancy for non-lawyers, has developed the programme that provides engineers with the protocols to strengthen their evidence should litigation occur.
Penny Harper, a Solicitor and Director at Bond Solon, believes that delegates will appreciate that their records, advice and decisions can often be scrutinized in the legal process. Engineers must have the confidence to participate in legal proceedings where necessary, and work to the best practice standards. This ensures that should a problem arise, their organisation will be able to produce solid evidence.
SOEís Head of Technical Services, Ian Chisholm, says of the training: ìWe feel it key that engineers need to understand the legal framework in which they operate, and are able to conduct themselves in their professional or investigative role in a competent manner.î
The two-day training programme, due to be held at SOEís Head Office in London on the 13 and 14 November 2007, introduces delegates to the core competencies necessary to conduct effective investigations. These include:
Analysis of legal responsibility and accountability
Accountability within the organisation and for the individual
Understanding the importance of records as an integral part of professional practice
Distinguishing between facts, assumptions and opinions
How to justify decisions and recommendations
Plenary sessions, role-play and discussion to highlight key points
Experience how their decisions and professional practice may be questioned
Develop the skills to demonstrate how their practices, recommendations/advice or decisions were justifiable
A step ahead of the law
In todayís lawsuit-friendly world, it is vital that engineers understand the need for high professional standards in all aspects of their everyday practice
