How to Instruct Us
A straightforward process designed for legal professionals. We aim to make instructing a psychiatric expert as simple and efficient as possible.
Getting Started
To instruct us, simply email your letter of instruction and supporting documents to our instruction address. We will acknowledge receipt, confirm availability, and provide a fee estimate within 1 working day.
Required Materials
- Letter of instruction
Setting out the background, issues, and questions to address
- Medical records
GP records, hospital records, psychiatric records as relevant
- Pleadings and statements
Particulars of claim, witness statements, schedule of loss where relevant
- Questions to address
Specific questions for the expert, agreed where SJE
- Deadlines
Court directions, hearing dates, and any time constraints
The Instruction Process
Send Instruction
Email your letter of instruction with supporting documents to instruct@psychiatric.report. We acknowledge receipt and confirm availability.
Expert Allocation
We allocate a suitable expert from our panel based on the specific requirements of your instruction, expertise needed, and availability.
Assessment
Assessment arranged remotely or at a suitable location, as required by the instruction. Records reviewed and clinical interview conducted.
Report Delivery
Draft report issued for review. Final report with CPR Part 35 declarations. Part 35 questions and court attendance available as required.
Types of Instruction
Single Joint Expert (SJE)
Instructed jointly by both parties, the expert owes a duty to both and provides a single report addressing agreed questions. Common in lower value claims and where the court has directed joint instruction.
- Joint letter of instruction from both parties
- Agreed questions to address
- Fees typically shared equally
Party-Instructed Expert
Instructed by one party (claimant or defendant), the expert still owes an overriding duty to the court. The report may be disclosed or not at the instructing party's discretion until exchange.
- Letter of instruction from instructing party
- Questions from instructing party (Part 35 questions from other side later)
- Fees paid by instructing party
Regardless of the type of instruction, our experts maintain their independence and duty to the court. Reports are prepared to the same standard whether instructed as SJE or by a single party.
Confidentiality & Records
All information provided is treated as confidential and handled in accordance with our data protection obligations. Records are stored securely and retained in line with professional guidance.
View our data protection policyTurnaround Times
Standard turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks from assessment to draft report, depending on complexity and records volume. Expedited service is available subject to expert availability. Additional work such as Part 35 questions, joint statements, or court attendance is typically charged separately and confirmed once the scope of work is clear.
Please inform us of any court deadlines at the time of instruction so we can ensure timely delivery.
Ready to Instruct?
Send your instruction to begin the process. We typically respond within 1 working day with confirmation and fee estimate.