Testimonials
Eric Baskind
“I instructed Eric Baskind as an Expert Witness to advise Prison Officers (whose Union I represented) on Home Office methods of Control & Restraint in countless pieces of litigation with considerable success in what were at the time ground breaking claims. His vast knowledge of the subject and outstanding professional approach made him a formidable Expert Witness respected and admired even by our opponents.” Frank Rogers, Director & Head of Business Development, Brown Turner Ross Solicitors.
“Mr Baskind’s report is a model of its kind – clear, well-reasoned and logically set out. I am very grateful indeed to Mr Baskind for the time and care he has taken”. Martial arts case involving significant injuries. Note from David Knifton of Counsel.
“I am more than happy to recommend Mr Baskind. I can confidently say that the evidence of the nature produced by Mr Baskind can make the difference between winning or losing a finely balanced and contested case. It will certainly make the other side sit up and consider their position very carefully. Simply put you want this gentleman on your team rather than being on the opponent’s. I have always found Mr Baskind to be extremely helpful, with a great work ethic and a pleasure to deal with”. Philip Coulthurst. Solicitor. Tranters Freeclaim Solicitors.
“Mr Baskind was an absolute star. He talked with authority about training techniques wonderful stuff going directly to the issues in the case. Mr Baskind was completely unshaken by anything put to him by the Prosecutor.” Allegation of assault against serving police officer while making arrest. Extract from instructing solicitor’s letter acting for Defendant.
“I could not prepare a CV as impressive as Mr Baskind’s”. Assault case. Martial arts techniques at issue. Instructed by Prosecution. Extract from Defendant’s Expert’s report.
“I am faced with evidence from two experts, Mr Baskind for the Defendant and Mr X for the claimant. Counsel invites me to conclude that these are each experts in their field who have come to differing conclusions. I have considered the expert evidence carefully. It is a matter for the court to exercise its discretion in weighing up the quality of that expert evidence. One factor in doing so is the experience of the experts and it is evident to me that both gentlemen are extremely experienced within their field. Another factor is the independence of the experts. In that respect it must be said that Mr Baskind has a manifestly broader-based experience in the field of control and restraint [compared to Mr X]. Of the greatest importance in weighing up the expert evidence is the quality of the reports themselves. Considering the report of Mr X, the way in which it addresses questions is, in my view, far from ideal. By contrast, the report of Mr Baskind argues and reasons fully the issues in the techniques adopted by the Prison Service.” Claim brought by prison officer following injuries sustained during Control & Restraint training. Extract from Judgment.
“Mr Baskind’s evidence was persuasive and compelling. His report was comprehensive and clear. He demonstrated his experience in the witness box under heavy cross-examination. His advice to us prior to issuing proceedings was invaluable and enabled Counsel to draft the Particulars of Claim with the level of technical detail needed.” Claim brought by male against Police alleging assault by police officers during arrest. Extract from instructing solicitor’s letter.”
Peter Turner
“I have had the pleasure of working with Pete on several projects over more than a decade. On each occasion the experience has been notably positive. As a practitioner his value base very much to the fore in everything he does. As a clinical lead for violence reduction he promoted a strategic and reflective approach to delivering safer services for those with lived experience and staff. As lead for developing the High Secure Services Manual he successfully managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders delivering significant innovation and ultimately improvements in care. I would therefore strongly recommend him both for his expertise in relation to the prevention and safer management of violence but also project management.” Dr Brodie Paterson. Clinical Director, CALM Training.
“I have had the privilege of working with Pete for a number of years and have been impressed by his integrity. A unique and highly professional individual in his field who is totally committed to patient care and safety as well as that of his work colleagues. Open minded and forever looking for improvements in his field of expertise. A pleasure to work alongside both in an professional manner as well as personal.” Nick Gray, FlexStretcher Product Specialist.
“Pete works in a co-produced way with staff and patients in the hospital to improve the patient experience. In collaboration with colleagues a reducing restrictive interventions plan is continually evaluated and reviewed. Pete works closely with his peers in other secure units and in general mental health services to ensure that the training staff receive in the prevention and management of violence and aggression mirrors best practice guidelines.” Leeanne McGee, Executive Director, High Secure and Forensic Services, West London NHS Trust, Broadmoor Hospital.
“Since joining HSICU I have had the pleasure to work alongside Pete as he supports our clinical and Management team closely in providing first class care to Broadmoor’s most high risk patients. Pete has provided the team with up to date knowledge, strategies and planning in a highly professional manor which has had a lasting impact in how as a team we perceive risk. This has been most useful in creating a culture which empowers staff to break down barriers, see beyond the risk and create optimism and hope as we work very closely with our patients and family during their road to recovery.” Ben Horton, Mental Health Practitioner, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
“I can thoroughly recommend Peter as a dedicated professional who has helped change the way we teach, use and think about physical interventions. He has always been a huge personal support to me and my team and he continues to do so.” Robert Pollock, Physical Intervention Lead, Solent NHS Trust.
“Well respected as an expert on management of violence and aggression and as a leader of a top class team of professionals.” Tom Hayhoe, Chairman, West London NHS Trust.
“I have known and worked with Peter over the past 20 years. I have worked with him directly as a senior employee of West London Mental Health NHS Trust, and as an external advisor within various groups and national bodies. Peter has developed both professionally and personally in to a national leader and an innovative trailblazer for exemplar practice locally. Peter has a calm, intelligent, practical and thoughtful manner, is considerate of other people’s views, opinions and experience but has developed a clarity of purpose in ensuring service users are at the heart of everything he does or leads. His department at Broadmoor has grown in stature and cutting edge practice, working alongside clinical colleagues to ensure high quality outcomes. Peter’s contribution and leadership on a national level have yielded unprecedented results thus far.” Andy Johnston, Clinical Director at AndyJohnstonAssociates.
“Pete is recognised nationally for his inspirational leadership in developing strategy and tactics to reduce violence and aggression by persons suffering from mental disorder. By focusing on the human aspects, rather than the physical aspects of threatened violence Pete has defined the future methodology in negotiation and where necessary restraint. Providing guidance to command teams for incidents of concerted indiscipline and individual acts of extreme or threaten violence, Pete has the trust and confidence of the Trust Leadership Team. In managing the delivery of all PMVA training, Pete inspires the confidence of those that find themselves often in difficult and demanding incidents that could result in harm to themselves or others. I cannot commend Pete enough for his personal commitment and enthusiasm to all that he does and has achieved”. John Hourihan MVO, Director of Security, Broadmoor Hospital.