What is a statement of truth and why is it important?

You must sign a statement of truth, declaring that you believe the facts are true and that you understand making a false statement without honest belief is a contempt of court. This requirement is set out in CPR r.22.1. Signing without understanding this serious declaration is a common mistake to avoid.

What are common mistakes to avoid when drafting a witness statement?

Common errors include writing in the first person instead of the third, including legal argument rather than factual narrative, failing to number paragraphs sequentially, signing without understanding the statement of truth, and not attaching labelled exhibits for any documents referred to in the statement.

Can I use this skeleton for criminal proceedings?

No, witness statements for criminal proceedings use a different format, specifically the MG11 form for police statements. This skeleton is designed for civil proceedings in the County Court or Employment Tribunal, complying with Civil Procedure Rules and Employment Tribunal Rules.

Can I include information that I heard from someone else?

Yes, you can include information provided by others, but you must identify it as hearsay and state that you believe it to be true. You must also identify the source of this information. All documents referred to must be exhibited, labelled, and attached to the statement.

← All Templates

Legal Proceedings

Civil Procedure

Updated 2026-04-17

Witness Statement Skeleton

CPR-compliant skeleton witness statement with statement of truth, for use in County Court or Employment Tribunal proceedings.

This template was not drafted by a solicitor.

It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.

When to use this template

Use this skeleton to draft your own witness statement for court or tribunal proceedings. A witness statement stands as your evidence-in-chief in civil proceedings — the judge reads it before you give evidence, and you will be cross-examined on its contents. It must contain only facts within your direct knowledge.

When NOT to use this template

Do not include hearsay (things others told you) without identifying it as hearsay. Do not include argument, legal submissions, or opinion (unless you are an expert witness). Witness statements for criminal proceedings use a different format (MG11 form for police statements).

Legal Basis

Civil Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 32 (evidence); PD 57AC (witness statements in the Business and Property Courts); Employment Tribunal Rules 2013, r.41. The statement of truth is required under CPR r.22.1 — making a false statement of truth is a contempt of court.

Before you send

Writing in the third person rather than the first person
Including legal argument rather than factual narrative
Not numbering paragraphs sequentially

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Writing in the third person rather than the first person
✗Including legal argument rather than factual narrative
✗Not numbering paragraphs sequentially
✗Signing without understanding the statement of truth — it is a serious declaration
✗Not exhibiting documents referred to in the statement (exhibits must be labelled and attached)

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Name of court or tribunal*

Case or claim number*

Claimant / Applicant name*

Defendant / Respondent name*

Your full name (witness)*

Your address*

Your occupation*

Your role in the proceedings*

Purpose of this statement*

Background paragraph (your relevant history)*

First events paragraph*

Date of signing*

Optional fields

Exhibit label (e.g. your initials and number)

Second events paragraph

Third events paragraph

Concluding paragraph

Letter preview

IN THE [NAME OF COURT OR TRIBUNAL]

CLAIM/CASE NUMBER: [CASE OR CLAIM NUMBER]

BETWEEN:

[CLAIMANT / APPLICANT NAME] (Claimant / Applicant)

— and —

[DEFENDANT / RESPONDENT NAME] (Defendant / Respondent)

---

**WITNESS STATEMENT OF [YOUR FULL NAME (WITNESS)]**

I, [YOUR FULL NAME (WITNESS)], of [YOUR ADDRESS], [YOUR OCCUPATION], WILL SAY as follows:

**Introduction**

1. I am the [YOUR ROLE IN THE PROCEEDINGS] in these proceedings. I make this statement in support of [PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT].

2. The matters set out in this statement are within my own knowledge, unless otherwise stated. Where I refer to information provided by others, I identify the source and believe the information to be true. Where I refer to documents, I identify them by their exhibit reference.

3. Exhibited to this statement are the documents I refer to, collectively marked "[EXHIBIT LABEL (E.G. YOUR INITIALS AND NUMBER)]".

**Background**

4. [BACKGROUND PARAGRAPH (YOUR RELEVANT HISTORY)]

**Events giving rise to this claim**

5. [FIRST EVENTS PARAGRAPH]

6. [SECOND EVENTS PARAGRAPH]

7. [THIRD EVENTS PARAGRAPH]

**Conclusion**

[CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH]

---

**STATEMENT OF TRUTH**

I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.

Signed: ___________________________

Full name: [YOUR FULL NAME (WITNESS)]

Date: [DATE OF SIGNING]

Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.

Related Guides

Official Resources

CPR Practice Direction 32 — Evidence →

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a witness statement in court?: A witness statement serves as your evidence-in-chief in civil proceedings. The judge reads it before you give evidence, and you will be cross-examined on its contents. It must contain only facts within your direct knowledge, excluding hearsay unless identified, and must not include legal argument or opinion unless you are an expert witness.
What is a statement of truth and why is it important?: You must sign a statement of truth, declaring that you believe the facts are true and that you understand making a false statement without honest belief is a contempt of court. This requirement is set out in CPR r.22.1. Signing without understanding this serious declaration is a common mistake to avoid.
What are common mistakes to avoid when drafting a witness statement?: Common errors include writing in the first person instead of the third, including legal argument rather than factual narrative, failing to number paragraphs sequentially, signing without understanding the statement of truth, and not attaching labelled exhibits for any documents referred to in the statement.
Can I use this skeleton for criminal proceedings?: No, witness statements for criminal proceedings use a different format, specifically the MG11 form for police statements. This skeleton is designed for civil proceedings in the County Court or Employment Tribunal, complying with Civil Procedure Rules and Employment Tribunal Rules.
Can I include information that I heard from someone else?: Yes, you can include information provided by others, but you must identify it as hearsay and state that you believe it to be true. You must also identify the source of this information. All documents referred to must be exhibited, labelled, and attached to the statement.