Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to confer more powers on regulatory bodies to help ensure that experts providing testimony in family courts meet appropriate professional standards.

It is a matter for the judiciary to determine which experts may be instructed to provide evidence in family law proceedings.

Section 13 of the Children and Families Act 2014 makes provision in relation to the control of expert evidence in children proceedings. In addition, Practice Direction 25B sets out a duty on experts to comply with 11 specified standards, including evidencing their relevant experience which must be sufficient for the issues raised in the concerned case and a requirement to be up to date with continuing professional development appropriate to their discipline and expertise. If the expert’s area is regulated by a UK statutory body, they must confirm possession of a current licence to practice or equivalent. If the area is not regulated, then they must demonstrate appropriate qualifications and/or registration with a relevant professional body.