What is a Public Inquiry?
A public inquiry is an independent investigation ordered by the government to examine events of serious public concern. Public inquiries are often set up where there are serious questions about what happened, why things went wrong, and whether institutions or public bodies failed to protect those affected.
They aim to uncover the truth, hold organisations accountable and make recommendations to help prevent similar harm happening in the future.
Public inquiries can look at a wide range of issues, including child sexual abuse, institutional abuse, failures in healthcare, military matters, public safety concerns and other events where there is a strong public interest in understanding what happened.
Why would you need a Public Inquiry Solicitor?
If you have been affected by the events being investigated, you may be able to take part in the inquiry process. Depending on the circumstances, this could include applying for Core Participant status, providing written or oral evidence, sharing your experience, or engaging with the inquiry in another way.
A solicitor can help you understand what your options are, whether formal participation is appropriate, and what the process is likely to involve.
Early legal advice can be particularly important where there are deadlines for Core Participant applications, where evidence needs to be gathered carefully, or where the inquiry may involve sensitive personal information, safeguarding concerns or criticism of public bodies and institutions.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we help clients:
- apply for Core Participant status;
- prepare written and oral evidence;
- understand complex legal procedures;
- engage with the inquiry team and other participants;
- understand alternative ways to share their experience where Core Participant status is not appropriate; and
- access emotional and practical support throughout the process.
What is Core Participant status?
Core Participants have a formal role in a public inquiry. If you are granted Core Participant status, you may have certain procedural rights within the inquiry process.
These can include receiving disclosure of relevant evidence, making opening and closing statements at hearings, suggesting questions for witnesses, and applying to the Inquiry Chair for permission to ask questions through a recognised legal representative.
The Inquiry Chair decides who will be designated as a Core Participant. In making that decision, they will usually consider whether the person or organisation played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in the matters being investigated or has a significant interest in an important aspect of the inquiry.
Core Participant status can be particularly important where survivors, families or organisations want to play a formal role in the inquiry and engage with evidence as the process develops.
Do you need to be a Core Participant to have your say?
No. You do not always need to be a Core Participant to share your experience or provide evidence to a public inquiry.
Many inquiries provide other ways for people to contribute, particularly where they want to hear directly from those affected. For example, the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has launched a National Listening Project to hear from victims and survivors, as well as family members, friends and survivor groups across England and Wales.
If you are unsure whether to apply for Core Participant status or take part in another way, we can talk through the options with you in confidence.
Current Public Inquiries
Public inquiries continue to play an important role in examining institutional failings and making recommendations for change.
One current example is the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, which has been established to investigate the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by grooming gangs across England and Wales, and the failures of the institutions that were supposed to protect them.
The Inquiry will consider what happened, how organisations responded, why children were not protected and what needs to change. Its work includes national hearings and local investigations, giving victims, survivors and those representing them an opportunity to contribute to the process.
If you are affected by a current public inquiry, or you are considering whether to apply for Core Participant status, it is important to seek advice as early as possible. Applications often need to explain your connection to the inquiry, your interest in the issues being investigated and why you meet the relevant criteria.
Our experience in representing clients at Public Inquiries
BBK has a long-standing commitment to representing individuals and organisations in high-profile, sensitive and legally complex matters. Our lawyers have extensive experience supporting survivors of abuse, military personnel, charities and those affected by institutional failings, with a focus on dignity, transparency accountability and lasting change.
We have represented survivors and charities in some of the UK’s most significant public inquiries, including:
- The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA);
- The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry; and
- The Jimmy Savile scandal inquiries involving the BBC and NHS.
Our public inquiry work is informed by our wider experience in child abuse claims, human rights, public law, military claims, healthcare claims and civil claims involving serious institutional failures. This breadth of experience helps us advise clients on both the inquiry process itself and any related legal issues that may arise.
Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp?
We understand that public inquiries can be emotionally difficult, particularly where they involve abuse, trauma or long-standing institutional failings. Our role is to help you understand the process, make informed decisions and take part in a way that feels right for you.
- specialist expertise in public law, human rights and abuse claims;
- a compassionate, client-first approach that prioritises your wellbeing;
- a proven track record in high-profile and sensitive cases;
- experience supporting individuals, survivors, charities and representative groups;
- clear advice on Core Participant applications and other routes for engagement; and
- a collaborative approach, working with charities, campaigners and support organisations where appropriate to help amplify your voice.
If you are considering taking part in a public inquiry, applying for Core Participant status, or exploring other ways to have your say, we can advise you on your options in complete confidence.
