Using speech and audio as evidence

The course is intended for those who want to learn more about how speech and audio are analysed for evidential purposes and this area of forensic science. A range of topics will be covered and sessions will include a mix of practical tasks and theoretical content. 

The first day will provide an overview of different types of speech and audio evidence and what is and isn’t possible. We will discuss important practical considerations when collecting material for evidential purposes. Throughout both days, attendees will develop an understanding about the range of methods applied in forensic speaker comparison - the most common type of voice evidence - including the combined auditory-acoustic method, and automatic speaker recognition (including access to VOCALISE speaker recognition software). Sessions will cover how experts arrive at conclusions and the place of speech and audio evidence in the court. Consideration will be made of the role of regulation and accreditation in forensic speech science and the implications of this.  

Note: This course is not intended to provide attendees with the skills and knowledge to carry out forensic speech and audio analysis. It is intended to raise awareness and give an understanding of how speech and audio can be used as evidence.

Vincent Hughes

Vincent's research interests lie in forensic speech science, phonetics, phonology, sociophonetics and sociolinguistics. His current research focuses on understanding the bases and limitations of individual speaker characterisation and the relative contribution of acoustic, auditory and biological information. He is also interested in the application of the numerical likelihood ratio framework to the evaluation of speech evidence in forensic voice comparison cases.

Jessica Wormald

Jessica is a lecturer in the Department of Language and Linguistic Science at the University of York. Her primary research interests are in forensic speech science and sociophonetics. Jessica is interested in research which leads directly to improvements in forensic practice, particularly methodological developments and the combination of auditory, acoustic and automatic techniques. She previously worked as a forensic consultant at J P French Associates where she carried out speaker comparison and transcription casework.

Costs

Early bird rates for bookings before 1st October 2025:

Standard rates for bookings on and after 1st October 2025:

Book your place now

VAT is not payable. Registration fees are fully inclusive of:  

• Tuition
• Refreshments and Lunch
• Course materials 

Registration is done online by Credit/Debit Card for instant payment and a guaranteed secured place on the course (please note the University of York does not accept American Express cards).

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation and arranging payment directly with the hotel of their choice.

A list of some hotel options in the city will be circulated to all delegates.

For further information about York, please visit the 'Visit York' website.

1. Payment

1. Online payment via credit or debit card is preferred. Payment by invoice incurs an additional charge of £30. Please note that the University of York cannot accept American Express cards
2. Registration fees are payable in advance of the programme start date.
3. We regret that we cannot reserve or hold programme places in advance of booking or payment.
4. Participants may cancel their place in the programme by emailing the cpd@york.ac.uk

1.1. Registration fees are payable in advance of the course and are fully inclusive of tuition, course materials, lunch / refreshments at the course venue, but do not include accommodation.

1.2. Standard fees - apply to organisations worldwide and are UK VAT exempt (i.e. VAT is not payable).

2. Cancellations

The following cancellation terms apply:

Standard conditions:
-  Cancellations made 30 days or more before the programme start date: programme registration fees refunded less a 10% administrative charge.
-  Cancellations made less than 30 days before the programme start date: no refund will be given

For bookings of between 1 and 5 people from the same organisation:
-  Cancellations made 30 days or more before the programme start date: programme registration fees refunded less a 10% administrative charge.
-  Cancellations made less than 30 days before the programme start date: no refund will be given. 

For larger bookings of 6 or more people from the same organisation:
-  Cancellations made 60 days or more before the programme start date: programme registration fees refunded less a 10% administrative charge.
-  Cancellations made less than 60 days before the programme start date: no refund will be given.
-  Should one person from a group booking from the same organisation cancel, substitutes can be made, or the standard conditions apply.

The University of York will not accept responsibility for any additional costs incurred by the participant (for example travel or accommodation arrangements).

3. Attendance

1. Substitutions may be made prior to the programme start date, provided you inform the CPD team cpd@york.ac.uk in writing and complete any registration documentation for the new participant.
2. No substitutions are permissible once the programme has started.
3. Transfers between programmes are not possible.
4. In the unlikely event that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the programme has to be cancelled by the University of York, our liability is limited to a refund of paid programme registration fees only. 

4. Liability

• The Learning Management System (LMS) and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) are provided to you “as is” and we exclude all representations, warranties, conditions and terms expressly or implied by statute, common law or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law. We do not guarantee that:

1. use of the LMS, VLE or Zoom will be compatible with all hardware and software,
2. use of the LMS, VLE or Zoom will be uninterrupted or error or virus free,
3. use of the LMS, VLE or Zoom will deliver any specific outcome for its users, or
4. defects on the LMS, VLE or Zoom will be corrected (save for those defects which the University of York is obliged to correct by law).

• You must take appropriate steps to ensure that you regularly check for and protect against viruses when using the LMS, VLE or Zoom on any device.
• We may terminate your account or your access to/use of the LMS or VLE with immediate effect:
• if we reasonably believe you are in breach of these terms and conditions and/or the code of conduct;
• in order to prevent any abusive, fraudulent or unlawful activity; where necessary to prevent or stop any harm or damage to the university, any learner or the general public.
• To the fullest extent permitted by law, the aggregate liability of the University of York, to you, the Customer, to under or in relation to these terms and conditions shall be limited to the total price payable by you under these terms and conditions.
• Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or limit liability for negligence resulting in personal injury or death; fraud; or for any other type of liability that, by law, cannot be limited or excluded.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and the parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Through registering for a course applicants are deemed to have accepted the above Terms and Conditions.