RICS has launched an accredited scheme for expert witnesses in the construction and property sectors.
The scheme is in response to the Jackson reforms and the decision in Jones v Kaney, where the Supreme Court held that experts could be sued for negligence. Lord Justice Jackson’s reforms to civil litigation costs, which took effect in April, place a higher emphasis on the quality and value for money of experts.
As part of the scheme, experts will undergo training and will be assessed and regulated by the scheme, Expert Witness Accreditation Service (EWAS). Experts in this sector have not previously been subject to professional regulation.
Martin Burns, head of ADR research and development at RICS, said the Jackson reforms and Jones had “placed greater emphasis on the quality of expert witnesses, and the need for them to provide value for money”.
Sue Ryan, partner at Wragge & Co, said: “If the scheme expands the field of credible expert witnesses and raises standards through reports being more concise and restricted to relevant matters within the expert’s area of specialism, then the change can only be positive. It will lead to a reduction in the overall cost of expert evidence in litigation/arbitration, in keeping with the Jackson cost reforms.”
