The Inns' advocacy teaching is based on a particular formula (the Hampel method) which has proved very effective indeed, but takes a little time to get used to. To give practitioners who are interested in becoming advocacy trainers an opportunity to become familiar with the process, we ask them to attend a Training the Trainers programme. This involves a training day on a Saturday, the time table running approximately 9 am to 4.15 pm, with an introductory evening a few days ahead of that programme. New trainers will then be expected to build on that experience by team-teaching on a pupils' course before attending a second training day.

Provisional dates for the next courses are:

• 27 October 2009 (6-7.30 pm) + Saturday 31 October 2009 (9 am - 4.15 pm) + Saturday 14 November 2009 (9 am - 4.15 pm)
• Further Courses to be announced

Having successfully completed the training, practitioners will be asked for assistance with the advocacy training from time to time; they will retain absolute control over how much or how little teaching they do in the course of a year.

If you are interested in joining the Inn's teams of advocacy trainers, please contact the Deputy Under Treasurer (Education).

BVC students can apply to be taught advocacy skills by the prospective new trainers. They will have to commit themselves for the wholea o the programme which will earn them two qualifying sessions.