We have a dedicated team of expert public inquiries solicitors who deal with high profile and public cases. Given they involve the public and attract a lot of media attention, our expert solicitors have unrivalled experience in handling them.
A statutory public inquiry is an independent, official review of events or actions ordered by a government minister to investigate a major incident, an event of major public concern, or controversial public policy issues. The idea is that the public inquiry will be an independent and impartial review of events and make recommendations in the form of a report.
Public inquiries are usually established under the Inquiries Act 2005, which sets the legal framework for how they operate, the powers they hold and how evidence should be gathered. They are chaired by an independent figure, often a judge or senior expert, who can compel individuals, organisations and institutions, including government bodies, to provide disclosure and witness statements, as well as summoning witnesses to give evidence before the inquiry.
Unlike court proceedings, public inquiries aren’t about deciding civil or criminal liability. Instead, they aim to understand what happened, why it happened, and what changes are needed to prevent similar issues occurring again. Public inquiries often involve complex events, wide‑ranging evidence and sensitive issues. For those involved, the process can feel intense and emotionally demanding. This is why many people seek support from a public inquiry solicitor who can guide them through the process and ensure their voice is heard.
Public inquiry cases we have worked on
Our public inquiry lawyers boast a wealth of experience and have been instrumental in some of the most prominent cases in recent history. Their expertise is not just extensive but also proven in high-profile scenarios.
Manchester Arena Inquiry: Our team of Public Inquiry specialists represented the largest group of the grieving families in this high-profile inquiry on the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Our team represented several of the grieving families in this high-profile Inquiry, where 72 people tragically lost their lives.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA): Following serious concerns that several organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse, our team represented over a hundred victims and survivors over the majority of investigations in this lengthy and complex Inquiry.
COVID Inquiry: This has been set up to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and our public inquiry solicitors represented a large group of clinically vulnerable families in multiple modules as well as a group of Pregnancy Baby and Parenting Organisations in the healthcare module.
Thirlwall Inquiry (Lucy Letby Inquiry): Our public inquiry team was instrumental in escalating the Lucy Letby Inquiry to be a statutory inquiry through a hard-working media campaign. We currently represent multiple families impacted and will continue to fight for answers and justice for our clients
Dawn Sturgess Public Inquiry (Novichok): The public inquiry team represented a key witness in this highly sensitive public inquiry.
What is the purpose of a public inquiry?
Public inquiries exist to serve the public interest. Their core purpose is to investigate significant events where lessons must be learned at a national level. The independent nature of the process is designed to rebuild trust, provide answers to those affected and highlight any failures by public bodies, private organisations or systems that contributed to the event.
A key purpose is transparency. Public inquiries operate openly wherever possible, publishing evidence, holding hearings in public and producing a detailed report at the end. This allows the public to understand the findings and the recommendations made for change. For individuals and families affected, this transparency can play a crucial role in understanding what went wrong and in promoting accountability.
How is a public inquiry established?
A public inquiry is formally established by a government minister, known as the sponsoring minister. They do this by issuing what is known as an ‘inquiry notice’ under the Inquiries Act 2005. This notice appoints the inquiry chair, outlines the issues to be investigated and sets out the powers the inquiry will have.
Before an inquiry formally begins, the government consults on what should be investigated and who should lead it. The terms of reference are then drafted and agreed. These set the boundaries of the inquiry and ensure that its work remains focused and effective.
Once established, the inquiry begins its preliminary work, such as choosing procedural rules, appointing counsel to the inquiry and setting up the logistical and administrative framework needed. This early phase can take time, particularly in large‑scale inquiries involving multiple agencies, extensive documentation or historic events.
Understanding this early stage can be challenging for individuals who have been affected. Our leading public inquiry lawyers are on hand to support you at every stage and can guide you through what to expect, explain the process and make sure your interests are considered from the outset.
Public inquiries follow a structured process, though the exact approach varies depending on the subject matter. Typically, the inquiry process involves:
Deciding the scope of the inquiry and inviting submissions and representations on the scope.
Inviting individuals and organisations to apply for ‘Core Participant’ (CP) status within the inquiry.
Gathering and reviewing large volumes of documentary evidence. This can include official reports, internal records, expert analyses and personal accounts.
Obtaining witness statements. Individuals and organisations connected to the events being investigated are invited, and sometimes required, to provide detailed evidence. The inquiry chair may also appoint expert witnesses where specialist knowledge is needed.
Holding preliminary hearings. Core Participants, often through their lawyers, make submissions to the Inquiry Chair to advance their clients’ concerns about the scope, focus and decisions of the Inquiry and to help shape the Inquiry as it progresses.
Public hearings. These hearings often form a major party of the inquiry and are usually open to the public and the media, allowing a transparent view of the evidence. Witnesses can be questioned by counsel to the inquiry, and those with recognised status in the inquiry may also have their public inquiry solicitors make opening and closing submissions and ask questions on their behalf.
Publishing the final report. The inquiry team analyses all the evidence, identifies the key issues and drafts its findings into a final report. This sets out what happened, why it happened and what must change. This report is then presented to Parliament and published for the public to read. Core Participants and their lawyers often have access to the report at a ‘lock in’ before the report is made public.
What is a Public Inquiry? - Legal action explained
Our legal expert explains what a public inquiry is and what a potential public inquiry into COVID-19 would consider.
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How might you become involved in a public inquiry?
People become involved in public inquiries for a variety of reasons. You might have been directly affected by the events being investigated, such as through injury, loss of a loved one or harm caused by a failure in public services. You may also be involved because you hold information relevant to the inquiry or because your actions or role are being examined.
The inquiry chair decides who should be invited to provide evidence. Sometimes individuals are formally designated as Core Participants when they have a significant role in the inquiry or a substantial interest in the issues being explored. Our leading public inquiry solicitors can support you in seeking this status if appropriate and ensure that your involvement is meaningful and respectful of your experiences and that you have a greater voice in the Inquiry process.
Why would you need a public inquiry solicitor?
Specialist public inquiry lawyers help ensure that your perspective is properly represented throughout the process, especially where you have suffered harm or loss. Their role is to support you in presenting evidence, protecting your interests and ensuring your involvement contributes to the wider learning that a public inquiry seeks to achieve.
If you’ve been affected by an event that is being reviewed by a public inquiry, you can apply to become a ‘Core Participant’. Core Participant status can be granted to an individual, organisation or institution that has a specific interest in the work of the inquiry, and has played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in the subject matter. It is strongly recommended that you appoint a specialist lawyer who can help you navigate the complex, high-profile process and represent their interests. Funding is often granted to Core Participants (subject to a means test) which means that any legal representation would be free of charge to you. Our specialist public inquiry solicitors can advise on whether you would be eligible for public funding.
Providing oral evidence can be daunting and technical, but a public inquiry lawyer can clarify proceedings, address concerns, and offer support. Legal representation does not dilute involvement but enhances understanding. Given the complexity, pace, and public nature of public inquiries, it is crucial to choose a lawyer that specialises in this area of law and fully understands the process to ensure you are provided with the best representation.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s public inquiry solicitors?
Our team of public inquiry solicitors are industry leaders with a strong reputation in high-profile inquiries. We prioritise client well-being and where appropriate, anonymity, having represented Core Participants in inquiries such as the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena terror attack, Thirlwall (Lucy Letby) Inquiry, The Covid 19 Public Inquiry and the Dawn Sturgess (Novichok) public Inquiry,
We understand the trauma some clients face, and our dedicated experts act dynamically to secure the best outcome, keeping you well-informed every step of the way. It is extremely important to note that although Slater and Gordon may represent several individuals, families or organisations at any one inquiry (subject to there not being any conflict of interest in doing so), we have the resources and the skills within our team to ensure that everyone is treated as an individual and that their individual voices are heard.
Co-head of public inquiries at Slater and Gordon, Richard Scorer, has nearly three decades of experience specialising in public inquiries. His unwavering commitment extends to advocating for victims and survivors consistently securing justice in high-profile cases, whilst campaigning for law changes. As an accredited Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and a top-ranked Band 1 lawyer in Chambers and Partners, Richard's expertise is widely recognised. Beyond the courtroom, he contributes to media, authors books, and actively engages in social causes, making him an exceptional leader in his fields, dedicated to justice, healing, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Principal lawyer and co-head of public inquiries, Kim Harrison, has over 20 years of experience and is recognised in the independent legal guide, the Legal 500 as a legal individual as well as accredited by the APIL where she is Secretary of the organisation and sits on its National Executive Committee (Previously President). Her commitment to personal injury law spans two critical areas: representing abuse and assault survivors, both recent and non-recent, representing families and organisations in complex Article 2 inquests and engaging in Public Inquiries.
With career highlights that include pivotal roles in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), representing a large proportion of the bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Bombing Public Inquiry and ground-breaking cases, such as holding the Ministry of Defence accountable for a human rights breach and representing survivors of the football paedophile coach Barry Bennell. Kim is dedicated to justice, consistently going the extra mile by sharing her expertise with the media and actively participating in legal associations.
During what was a stressful time, Richard and his team provided me with outstanding advice and support. I was treated with empathy and respect, and, above all, was listened to. An exceptional service.
Public inquiry client
As a victim of sustained abuse, within a very powerful institution who had tried to silence me for decades, a Public Inquiry is a very daunting thing to be part of. Richard Scorer and all his team at Slater and Gordon were incredible with their care, kindness, support and availability to help me through what was at times a very overwhelming and harrowing experience.
Public inquiry client
At all times I felt valued and heard, able to have a voice to give evidence in my own words. I couldn't speak more highly of Richard and everyone, without exception, at Slater and Gordon who gave me the support and strength to see through what was a very long and drawn out process.
Public inquiry client
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Public inquiries are thorough, complex, and widely different, so the duration of each is varied and they have no set time frame. The duration depends on the scale of the issues being investigated, the amount of evidence, the number of witnesses and the complexity of the events. Some inquiries conclude within a year, while others take several years to gather evidence, conduct hearings and prepare a final report.
The Inquiries Act 2005 requires inquiries to progress without unnecessary delay, but it also emphasises the importance of thoroughness. When public safety, systemic failures or national tragedies are being examined, it is crucial that the inquiry is conducted carefully and comprehensively.
We know that for many people involved in public inquiries, the waiting time can be stressful and emotional draining. That is why our public inquiry lawyers work with complete transparency, managing expectations, keeping you updated on timelines and ensuring you are informed at every stage.
How do you attend a public inquiry?
Public inquiries are generally designed to be accessible to support transparency. This means that hearings are usually open to the public and held in venues equipped to accommodate media, legal teams and members of the public. Some inquiries also stream hearings online, making it easier for people to follow the evidence when they can’t attend in person.
If you are a core participant, you are entitled to attend the inquiry with your lawyers. Hearings are often hybrid, meaning face-to-face or virtual attendance is usually possible depending on your preference. If you are giving evidence, you will be contacted in advance with details of when and where to attend.
It can be an emotionally challenging experience, particularly if the subject matter involves trauma or loss. If you’ve been asked to give evidence in a public inquiry, speak to our industry-leading public inquiry lawyers on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
How much does a public inquiry cost?
For Core Participants without legal representation, participating in the inquiry itself doesn’t carry a fee and the inquiry may grant reasonable expenses for travel or other things within any expenses policy they have. Having legal representation may involve costs unless public funding is granted – though in the vast majority of cases (subject to a means test) funding will often be granted by the Inquiry.
This means that it won’t cost you anything to instruct a public inquiry solicitor to represent you at the inquiry. Because inquiries can be complex and emotionally demanding, having a public inquiry solicitor is often essential in ensuring that your role is handled sensitively and effectively.
If you have been asked to participate in a public inquiry, or wish to become a core participant, our dedicated public inquiry lawyers are here to support you. To learn more about costs and funding, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What happens after an inquiry?
Once the inquiry has gathered all the evidence, completed hearings and carried out its analysis, the chair prepares a final report. This report sets out the findings, conclusions and recommendations for future change. It is submitted to the sponsoring minister, who presents it to Parliament.
The report may highlight failures by public bodies or private organisations and propose reforms to improve safety, accountability or public policy. While the recommendations are not legally binding, they are considered by government and can lead to significant legislative or procedural changes.
For those affected, the conclusion of an inquiry can feel like a moment of closure, though it may also raise further questions about how the findings will be acted upon and frustration if this doesn’t happen in a timely way. Our public inquiry lawyers can help you understand the report, its implications and any potential next steps.
How do I request a public inquiry?
Under the Inquiries Act 2005, only a government minister can formally establish a public inquiry. However, individuals, organisations or campaign groups can request one by writing to the relevant government department, setting out why an inquiry is needed and what public concern exists. Requests are considered carefully, particularly where there has been loss of life, systemic failure or widespread harm.
What is public inquiry safeguarding?
Public inquiries can be highly emotional for those involved, so ensuring individuals – particularly those who may be vulnerable or traumatised – are properly safeguarded is paramount. This includes ensuring that evidence is taken sensitively, providing emotional and psychological support, and making sure the process doesn’t expose individuals to further harm.
In particular, public inquiries dealing with issues such as abuse, neglect or state failures often have extensive safeguarding protocols. Our specialist public inquiry lawyers have significant experience in applying for special measures for their clients in public inquiries such as anonymity, giving evidence behind a screen, having a special entrance, exit or waiting room to give evidence, giving evidence remotely as well as liaising with the inquiry legal team and staff about emotional support that can be provided free of charge to the person giving evidence.
Can I get funding for my legal expenses?
Yes, in many cases you can receive funding for legal representation during a public inquiry, though this is determined on a case-by-case basis. The inquiry chair will assess applications for funding and decide whether legal support is necessary to ensure fairness and proper participation.
Funding may cover preparation of evidence, attendance at hearings and legal advice. If you’ve been asked to participate or wish to become a core participant, our public inquiry lawyers can prepare the application on your behalf and help demonstrate why funded representation is essential in your circumstances.
Terms of reference are the official instructions that set out what the inquiry will investigate. They define the scope, purpose and boundaries of the inquiry and ensure that its work remains focused and manageable.
These terms are drafted by the government in consultation with the inquiry chair and sometimes with those affected. They may be revised as the inquiry progresses if new issues emerge. Understanding the terms of reference is essential, as they determine whether your experiences fall within the scope of the inquiry. Our public inquiry solicitors can guide you through what they mean and how they apply to you and make submissions on your behalf regarding the proposed terms of reference.
What is a Core Participant?
A Core Participant is an individual or organisation that has a significant interest in the subject matter of the inquiry. This status is granted by the inquiry chair and gives the participant certain rights, such as seeing evidence in advance, making opening and closing submissions and, through their public inquiry lawyers, asking questions during hearings.
Core Participant status helps ensure that those most affected are fully involved. If you wish to apply for core participant status in a public inquiry, our dedicated public inquiry solicitors can help you with the application and ensuring your role in the inquiry is recognised and meaningful.
Is a public inquiry the same as an inquest?
No. While both processes investigate deaths, an inquest has a much narrower focus and is a coronial investigation held to determine who died, when, where and how. It seeks to understand if Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights applies (the right to life), before examining the means and circumstances by which a person came by their death. However, like a public inquiry, an inquest cannot determine civil or criminal liability.
A public inquiry investigates wider issues of public concern and can explore systemic failures, policy decisions and organisational responsibility. In certain cases, a public inquiry may replace the need for an inquest where the inquiry’s scope is considered broad enough to address the circumstances of the deaths involved.
During what was a stressful time, Richard and his team provided me with outstanding advice and support. I was treated with empathy and respect, and, above all, was listened to. An exceptional service. Public inquiry client
As a victim of sustained abuse, within a very powerful institution who had tried to silence me for decades, a Public Inquiry is a very daunting thing to be part of. Richard Scorer and all his team at Slater and Gordon were incredible with their care, kindness, support and availability to help me through what was at times a very overwhelming and harrowing experience. Public inquiry client
At all times I felt valued and heard, able to have a voice to give evidence in my own words. I couldn't speak more highly of Richard and everyone, without exception, at Slater and Gordon who gave me the support and strength to see through what was a very long and drawn out process. Public inquiry client