Interview notes

Notes must be taken of all interviews.

• The note should be in sufficient detail that the full content and import of the interview can be readily understood. Particularly important evidence, such as that which a finding might depend on, should be read back to the interviewee and checked.
• The interview note should start with the date, time and location of the interview and the full name and job title of the interviewee together with the names of the interviewer and any other people present.
• It is acceptable for the note to be kept in handwritten format unless the handwriting is illegible to others or the interview is related to an important case which might be the subject of legal challenge. If so, the notes must be typed.
• Finally, the note should record the finish time of the interview.
• As no evidence can be taken “off the record” the note should cover the whole interview.
• Remember that the note and your handwritten notes might have to be revealed to any party under data protection legislation.

Page last updated: March 2009

Date Updated: 22/04/10