7.4.1 Training based on programme materials First, programme materials should be finalized in advance of training and provide all necessary information and instructions on the programme’s purpose, monitoring and reporting methodology, and responsibilities, as well as legal reference materials. If possible, programme materials should be provided in advance of the training so that monitors and other staff may review them. Training sessions should then be structured around these materials with the goal of familiarizing monitors with these materials. This includes making monitors aware of where information is located and comfortable accessing information as needed. Initial training sessions should, at a minimum, address the following three areas: • Substantive legal knowledge. Training should focus on the specific substantive legal standards, laws, and issues that will be observed and assessed in monitoring. International standards should not be discussed in the abstract. Instead, they should be raised and related to local laws, procedures, and practices to provide grounding in the local context and ensure appropriate application and analysis. • Monitoring methodology and responsibilities. Training should clarify monitoring methodology, including case identification and selection; access and monitoring protocol; code-of-conduct issues; reporting requirements, including instructions; and other facets of monitoring, anticipating the issues that may arise based upon the level of access or other conditions. Training should clarify the monitor’s specific responsibilities with respect to the programme. • Monitoring skills: Training should build the skills needed to perform monitoring, including reviewing documents, observation, and reporting: Mock exercises in which courtroom proceedings and reports are written are an excellent way of building observation skills and familiarity with reporting forms. Where relevant to the programme’s focus, case-file materials may be prepared to provide a case history and to illustrate how such materials will be used to supplement the monitoring of hearings on specific issues. Skills training should be active, involving staff directly in activities, and also permit follow-up discussion. 7.4.2 Using external trainers and experts The programme co-ordinator (or head of unit), with the support of the legal analysts, should determine the content of all training sessions and tailor them to meet the needs of the particular programme. Given internal constraints, programmes may often have to rely on external trainers to provide training in specific areas, such as the substantive law, methodology, and monitoring skills. In organizing training sessions and using experts, programmes are presented with a number of options. Trial-Monitoring: A Reference Manual for Practitioners 95