Human Rights

Public Inquiries

Representation at major public inquiries and statutory investigations

SRA Regulated
No Win, No Fee Available
25+ Years Experience

Public Inquiry Representation

Public inquiries investigate major events and systemic failures that have caused significant public concern. From the Infected Blood Inquiry to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, these investigations examine how things went wrong and what lessons must be learned. We provide specialist representation to individuals, families, and core participants seeking truth, accountability, and systemic change.

Seeking Truth and Justice

Public inquiries give affected individuals a voice in examining systemic failures. We ensure families and victims are heard, institutions are held accountable, and meaningful recommendations emerge to prevent future tragedies.

Types of Public Inquiries

Disaster Inquiries

Major incidents such as Grenfell Tower, investigating building safety, regulatory failures, and emergency response.

Healthcare Scandals

Systemic failures in healthcare including the Infected Blood Inquiry and investigations into hospital care failures.

Deaths in Custody

Investigations into deaths in prison, police custody, mental health units, and immigration detention.

Institutional Abuse

Historical and ongoing abuse in care homes, children's homes, and institutions including the IICSA inquiry.

Police Conduct

Investigations into policing failures, misconduct, and responses to major incidents like Hillsborough.

Public Safety

Inquiries into pandemic responses, environmental disasters, and public safety regulatory failures.

What We Do

Our comprehensive public inquiry representation includes:

Securing core participant status and legal aid funding
Drafting detailed witness statements and responding to Rule 9 requests
Reviewing vast quantities of disclosed evidence and identifying key issues
Cross-examining witnesses at public hearings to expose failures
Making written and oral submissions on findings and recommendations
Pursuing follow-up litigation based on inquiry findings

The Public Inquiry Process

1

Application for Core Participant Status

We apply for core participant status on behalf of affected individuals and families. Core participants have the right to see evidence, make submissions, and question witnesses. Legal aid is available for representation.

2

Evidence Review & Rule 9 Responses

Inquiries issue Rule 9 requests seeking evidence and witness statements. We review disclosed documents, identify critical issues, and prepare detailed responses that tell our clients' stories and highlight systemic failures.

3

Public Hearings

At public hearings, we question witnesses through cross-examination to expose failures, challenge explanations, and ensure accountability. We also make opening and closing submissions to the inquiry panel.

4

Final Report & Recommendations

The inquiry publishes a final report with findings of fact and recommendations for systemic change. We scrutinize recommendations and pursue implementation through litigation, parliamentary engagement, and public campaigning where necessary.

Why Choose Us

Public Inquiry Experience

Extensive experience representing families and individuals at major statutory public inquiries.

Compassionate Support

We understand the trauma of losing loved ones in tragic circumstances and provide sensitive, personal support.

Legal Aid Experts

We routinely secure legal aid funding for public inquiry representation so families can access justice.

Strategic Advocacy

We combine inquiry representation with broader litigation and campaigning for systemic change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about public inquiry representation.

Core participants are individuals or organisations with a direct interest in the inquiry's work. They can see evidence, make written submissions, suggest questions for witnesses, and in some cases ask questions themselves through legal representatives. We apply for core participant status on behalf of affected families.

Yes, legal aid is available for bereaved families and victims represented at public inquiries. There is no means test for public inquiry legal aid. We routinely secure funding so families can be properly represented without financial barriers.

Public inquiries are lengthy processes, often taking several years from establishment to final report. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, for example, has been ongoing since 2017. While the process is long, it's thorough and aims to uncover the full truth about systemic failures.

Public inquiries do not award compensation. However, findings can support subsequent civil claims for damages. We advise on prospects for civil claims and can pursue these in parallel with or following the inquiry process.

Ready to Take Action?

Get expert legal advice on your public inquiries case. Free, no-obligation consultation.

Get in Touch

Speak with our experienced legal team about your case. We're here to help.

Phone

01903 931043

Office Hours

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM