Taster session on witness memory: neuroscience and psychology.

Free taster session on witness memory: neuroscience and psychology. This session is relevant to lawyers, EHS and HR professionals and investigators.

Why don't our memories serve us well? How can a witness give honest evidence that, despite being genuine, is based on a recollection of something that did not occur? The science of human memory is both fascinating and complex. Recent advances in neuroscience have given psychologists a deeper understanding of how our memories work - and sometimes fail.

This 35 minute session, followed by 10 minutes for questions, will explore research into witness memory and its fallibilty. You will gain an understanding of the neuroscience and psychological research surrounding witness memory. You will also learn how increasing levels of psychological safety within a witness during an interview can improve the accuracy of witness evidence.

This is a taster session for more detailed training taking place on eventbrite on 21 November 2025 (9am-11am).

Speakers

This unique session is brought together by trainers with diverse but complementary backgrounds:

• Dr Samantha Masley, Clinical Psychologist, has over 20 years experience working extensively with survivors of various traumatic experience, including serious workplace incidents, abuse and discrimination.
• Elizabeth Hyde is a specialist in psychological safety and former regulatory lawyer in a major law firm. Elizabeth spent 17 years investigating serious workplace incidents for large organisations. After re-training in psychology, she now brings techniques from the latest psychological research to support professionals in enhancing their practice.

Programme

• Episodic memory function, storage and retrieval
• Function of the amygdala (or 'lizard brain') when a witness is stressed and impact on 'thinking parts' of the brain
• Practical considerations for increasing psychological safety within a witness.

Recent feedback

"Excellent session with some valuable insights from very knowledgeable speakers." (Employment lawyer, international law firm)

"As an EHS lawyer with twenty years' experience, I just wish I'd received this training at the start of my career. The scientific basis paved the way for an interesting and enlightening scenario-based learning by doing which was thought-provoking and insightful." (EHS lawyer, international law firm)

"Fabulous session - so relevant, informed and practical. Thank you." (EHS lawyer, international law firm)

"Excellent contextualisation of the science behind the session. Clear examples and practical tips I can use straight away in case work." (Employment lawyer, international law firm).

"Great to have the science to support the instinct. Brilliant session." (HR Manager, UK University)

Other information

If you have any questions or are interested in receiving this training in-house please contact ElizabethHyde@HesperGRC.com

Elizabeth Hyde at Hesper GRC may follow up with you after the event to notify you of future courses. You can opt out of receiving such communications at any time.