RSVP Assessment
Expert Witness Reports
Our chambers prepares CPR Part 35-compliant sexual risk assessments for criminal sentencing, family proceedings, and civil claims. Reports include RSVP risk assessment, CSE risk assessment, and Static-99R risk assessment, addressing recidivism, protective factors, and intervention needs.
Expert evidence on
sexual risk and recidivism.
Our chambers prepares sexual risk assessment reports for criminal, family, and civil proceedings. These reports evaluate recidivism risk, protective factors, and intervention needs using validated tools such as RSVP risk assessment and Static-99R risk assessment.
Instructions accepted by our chambers include sentencing reports under the Sentencing Act 2020, care proceedings under the Children Act 1989, and civil claims involving sexual harm. Our reports comply with CPR Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance for the Instruction of Experts.
Three stages where
this report is required.
Criminal sentencing
Our chambers prepares sexual risk assessment reports for sentencing hearings under the Sentencing Act 2020. These reports inform the court on recidivism risk, suitability for rehabilitation, and the need for restrictive orders such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.
Family proceedings
In care proceedings under the Children Act 1989, our reports assess risk to children and inform decisions on contact, supervision, and placement. Reports comply with FPR 25 and Practice Direction 25B, addressing both static and dynamic risk factors.
Civil claims
Our chambers accepts instructions for civil claims involving sexual harm, including institutional abuse and historic non-recent cases. Reports address liability, causation, and quantum, with reference to CPR Part 35 and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance.
What the report contains,
section by section.
Expert qualifications
GMC or HCPC registration, Specialist Register status, MRCPsych or BPS Chartered membership, and the expert’s medico-legal experience in sexual risk assessment. Compliance with CPR 35.3 and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance is confirmed.
Index offence details
The offence history, including convictions, allegations, and any relevant non-conviction material. This section contextualises the risk assessment and informs the application of tools such as RSVP risk assessment and Static-99R risk assessment.
Clinical assessment
Psychiatric history, mental state examination, and diagnostic formulation under ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR. This section addresses co-morbid conditions, such as personality disorders or paraphilic disorders, which may influence risk.
Risk assessment tools
Application of validated instruments, including RSVP risk assessment, Static-99R risk assessment, and HCR-20. Each tool’s selection, scoring, and limitations are documented transparently to meet CPR Part 35 requirements.
Risk formulation
The expert’s reasoned opinion on recidivism risk, protective factors, and intervention needs. This section links the clinical findings to the legal questions posed, such as suitability for rehabilitation or the need for restrictive orders.
Recommendations
Proposals for risk management, including treatment modalities, supervision requirements, and monitoring. Recommendations are tailored to the legal context, whether for sentencing, care proceedings, or civil claims.
Declaration of truth
The CPR Part 35 declaration, signed statement of truth, and confirmation of the expert’s overriding duty to the court. Compliance with Practice Direction 35 and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance is explicitly acknowledged.
How the assessment
is conducted.
Our experts follow a structured methodology to ensure compliance with CPR Part 35 and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance. Each step is documented transparently to withstand scrutiny in Part 35 questions and cross-examination.
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01
Records review
Full review of criminal records, psychiatric reports, social services files, and any relevant pre-sentence reports. Material entries are identified and referenced in the report to support the risk formulation.
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02
Clinical interview
Structured interview with the subject, typically lasting 2–3 hours. The interview explores offence history, psychological functioning, and dynamic risk factors, with findings linked to the RSVP risk assessment and Static-99R risk assessment.
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03
Collateral information
Interviews with family members, probation officers, or treating clinicians where permitted. Collateral accounts are used to triangulate findings and address discrepancies in the subject’s self-report.
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04
Risk tool application
Administration of validated tools, including RSVP risk assessment, Static-99R risk assessment, and HCR-20. Each tool’s scoring, interpretation, and limitations are documented to meet CPR Part 35 requirements.
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05
Formulation & opinion
The clinical formulation integrates offence history, psychological findings, and risk tool results. The expert’s opinion on recidivism risk, protective factors, and intervention needs is clearly linked to the legal questions posed.
Proceedings requiring
sexual risk assessment.
Our chambers accepts instructions for sexual risk assessments across criminal, family, and civil proceedings. Reports comply with the procedural rules governing each jurisdiction, including CPR Part 35, CrimPR 19, and FPR 25.
Questions from
solicitors we work with.
Do your experts use RSVP risk assessment in all cases?
No. RSVP risk assessment is one of several tools our experts may use, depending on the case. Static-99R risk assessment and HCR-20 are also commonly applied, with selection based on the subject’s offence history, clinical presentation, and the legal context.
Can your reports address child sexual exploitation (CSE) risk?
Yes. Our experts prepare CSE risk assessment reports for family proceedings and criminal sentencing. These reports evaluate grooming behaviours, vulnerability factors, and the risk of further exploitation, with recommendations for safeguarding and intervention.
Are your experts instructed in historic non-recent cases?
Yes. Our chambers accepts instructions for historic non-recent cases, including those subject to limitation arguments under s.33 Limitation Act 1980. Reports address the long-term impact of offending and current risk, with reference to Bryn Alyn and other relevant case law.
Do your experts attend joint expert discussions?
Yes. Attendance at joint expert discussions under CPR 35.12 and preparation of the joint statement are within the standard scope of our instructions. Our experts are experienced in reconciling differences in methodology and opinion with opposing experts.
Can your reports be used in both criminal and family proceedings?
Both. Our reports are prepared to comply with the procedural rules of the instructing jurisdiction. For criminal cases, reports adhere to CrimPR 19, while family proceedings reports comply with FPR 25 and Practice Direction 25B.
How do your experts handle Part 35 questions?
In accordance with CPR 35.6. Our experts respond to Part 35 questions within 28 days of service, unless the court or parties agree otherwise. Before answering, our experts consult with instructing solicitors to ensure questions are proportionate and properly put.
Need a sexual risk assessment
expert witness for your case?
Send a brief case summary — subject, offence history, procedural stage, and any time-critical deadlines — and our chambers will confirm availability, scope, and timescales within one working day.