About Specialist Witness Statements
We advise that for all Guinness World Record applications, when sourcing your independent witnesses you find experts in the field who possess the expertise to enable them to accurately confirm our guidelines have been adhered to. However, Guinness World Records monitors a wide array of records and understands that there may not be established experts in the field for all record categories.
When is a specialist independent witness statement needed?
Your Specific Guidelines will indicate when a specialist independent witness is required. A specialist independent witness will replace one of your standard independent witnesses. Your Specific Guidelines may require that both independent witnesses are replaced with specialist independent witnesses, this requirement is based on a review of the technical aspect of your specific record attempt. Occasionally we may require a specialist witness to be present in addition to your two standard independent witnesses; if this is required it will be outlined in your Specific Guidelines.
Your Specific Guidelines will also provide some guidance as to who can act as this specialist witness, (e.g. a rugby coach may be required for the ‘fastest throw of a rugby ball’) A specialist witness must be present throughout the record attempt and submit a witness statement as part of the evidence.
If you are unsure whether you require a specialist witness, please contact your Records Manager. What must the statement include?
Remember that a specialist witness must also be independent as he/she is acting in place of one of your standard independent witnesses; the statement must therefore include all the same information as an independent witness.
The specialist independent witness statement must be submitted on letter-headed paper and include the following:
• An overview of their expertise in the field
• Confirmation all technical aspects of the record have been met to a proficient standard.
• Proof of their expertise - some record categories may require full proof of qualifications. In these instances a photocopy of qualifications should be submitted alongside the specialist witness statement. If nothing is specified in your Specific Guidelines, a business card is required as a minimum.
Please refer back to the section on the independent witness statement to ensure all other aspects of the witness statement have been met.