Witness Connect Terms of Service – Experts

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your use of the Witness Connect platform as an Expert Witness. By registering with Witness Connect, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully.

2. Duties and Responsibilities of Experts

• You agree to comply with your overriding duty to the court as set out in Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR 35) and any equivalent obligations in other jurisdictions.

• You must ensure that any information you provide to Witness Connect, including qualifications, CV, insurance, and professional registration, is accurate and up to date.

• You agree to maintain professional indemnity insurance at all times while registered on Witness Connect and provide evidence upon request.

• You are responsible for meeting all deadlines agreed with solicitors or the court. Witness Connect accepts no liability for late delivery of reports or non-compliance with court directions.

3. Verification and Re-Certification

• Upon registration, you will provide documents for verification including CV, professional registration, and insurance.

• You agree to re-certify your information annually and provide updated documents where required.

• Witness Connect reserves the right to suspend or remove experts who fail to provide accurate or current information.

4. Confidentiality and Data Handling

• You must keep confidential all case materials, documents, and data accessed through Witness Connect.

• You must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and all relevant confidentiality obligations when handling sensitive information.

• All communication with solicitors and parties must be conducted through the Witness Connect secure platform unless otherwise authorised.

5. Indemnity

• You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Witness Connect, its officers, and employees from any claim, loss, or liability arising out of:

• False or misleading information you provide.

• Breach of your professional duties or obligations under these Terms.

• Any negligent or wilful act or omission in the preparation or delivery of expert services.

6. Witness Connect’s Role and Liability

• Witness Connect is a platform facilitating connections between experts and solicitors. Witness Connect is not a party to the contractual relationship between you and a solicitor.

• Witness Connect is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or quality of expert evidence.

• Witness Connect excludes all liability for loss, damages, or claims arising out of expert reports, delays, or case outcomes.

• Witness Connect accepts no liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses.

7. Payments

• Payments will be processed via Witness Connect's authorised third-party escrow/payment provider.

• Funds will only be released in accordance with the agreed payment schedule.

• Witness Connect is not liable for delays caused by the payment provider or solicitor.

8. Termination

• Witness Connect reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if you breach these Terms.

• You may terminate your use of Witness Connect at any time, subject to completion of any ongoing instructions.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

• Any disputes will first be referred to mediation. If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

By registering as an Expert Witness on Witness Connect, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.