Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. You stated in your letter that the hearing would take place in approximately 3 months and I haven't heard anything since.

A1. When a hearing has been granted by the Panel, the Presenting Officer (PO) of the Compensation Agency is responsible for gathering evidence (called the hearings documents) to be used at your hearing. Until the PO has prepared these documents we are unable to send them to you or list your case for hearing. Panel staff will try to ensure this happens as quickly as possible by contacting the PO about all outstanding appeals. If there is undue delay in your case we will find out from the PO the reason for the delay and let you know the position.

Q2. How is the hearing arranged and who are the Panel?

A2. When you were granted a hearing you were sent a booklet entitled "Your Panel Hearing". Please read it carefully as it does explain what happens. Your hearing will normally take place at the Panel's Headquarters in Belfast before a three member Panel which will generally include a lawyer.

Q3. I notice from the Hearing Summary that you will be inviting the person that injured me to the hearing and I do not want to come into contact with this person. What can you do about this?

A3. We are given the names of witnesses to invite by the Agency's Presenting Officer. In regard to the alleged assailant, if you are afraid of meeting him/her, let us know. We will then ask whether he/she wishes to attend the hearing. Only if we receive written confirmation that he/she does wish to attend do we provide that person with details of the hearing. They are not provided with Hearing papers. But we can, in such a situation, arrange separate waiting accommodation for you and, if you wish, a member of our staff can meet you outside the hearing centre and escort you into the hearings area so that you do not have to meet the alleged assailant. However our experience is that the alleged assailant does not often attend hearings.

Q4. How much notice will I be given of my hearing?

A4. You will be given at least 3 weeks notice of your hearing date. Where necessary and if possible we will make arrangements by phone.

Q5. Can you tell me if my hearing will take place at the time stated as I have to collect my children from school?

A5. Cases listed before yours may overrun and it is not easy to say exactly when your hearing will start. The Panel's receptionist will keep you informed of how the day's list is progressing but it may be sensible to arrange for someone else to collect your children on that day. Also bring something to read (just in case there is some delay). If you do have a deadline by which you must leave, let the receptionist know when you arrive.

Q6. Can I claim car parking charges for the hearing?

A6. Only if you are disabled with a disabled badge in your car. Otherwise we pay only the public mileage/transport rate to and from the hearing.

Q7. If I am self-employed, what documentary evidence must I provide to the Panel when claiming loss of earnings for the day of the hearing?

A7. The Panel will accept any of the following documents:

Q8. When can I expect to receive a cheque for loss of earnings incurred on the hearing date?

A8. Provided all the documentation is in order payment is made within 28 days of the claim being approved.

Q9. When can I expect to receive payment if I am granted an award?

A9. This is paid by the Compensation Agency normally within 2 weeks of the Panel making their decision and you signing the acceptance form.

Q10. My client attended a recent hearing. He/she received a record of the hearings decision but can I have a copy of the Panel's reasons?

A10. Yes - provided you still represent your client and your client authorises this disclosure.

Q11. My client attended a recent hearing but wishes to make a complaint. What should he/she do?

A11.Your client should make his/her complaint within 3 months of the hearing and should write to the Chief Executive at:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel Northern Ireland
2nd Floor, The Corn Exchange Building
31 Gordon Street
BELFAST
BT1 2LG

The letter should be marked 'complaint'. The complaint will be acknowledged and then investigated by a senior member of staff. You should receive a reply within 6 weeks.

Q12. We wish to seek Judicial Review (JR) of the Panel's decision. What should we do?

A12. You should firstly write to the Chief Executive at the address given in Answer 11 explaining why you seek to take this action. This will allow your client's case to be re-examined.

Q13. Do the Panel's actions come under the responsibility of the Ombudsman?

A13. Yes. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (the Ombudsman) is responsible for investigating complaints of maladministration. Such complaints must be put to him through a Member of Parliament and not a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly