Public Inquiry Solicitors

A public inquiry in is a formal investigation, usually set up by a government minister, to examine matters of public concern, such as major accidents, policy failures, or other events that have caused significant public disquiet. These inquiries aim to uncover the truth, understand what went wrong, and recommend ways to prevent similar events from happening again.

Throughout the inquiry, the appointed Chair (who is often a serving or retired Judge) will collect and review evidence and may hold either a public or private hearing to gather oral submissions and oral evidence from witnesses. If the inquiry is a statutory inquiry, there will be greater powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.

Our Public Inquiry Solicitors hold a wealth of experience, having acted for clients in some of the most high-profile public inquiries in recent years – including the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, and the Thirlwall Inquiry. Approachable and empathetic, our specialist solicitors will guide you through the inquiry process. We can help you with all aspects of work, including:

taking and preparing witness statements;
making applications and representation at hearings;
handling large scale disclosure exercises;
related legal challenges, including judicial review;
instructing barristers and expert witnesses;
reputation management and media handling.

If you need our assistance, please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public inquiry?

A public inquiry is an official investigation conducted in the UK, established by a minister from the UK government or a devolved government body, to examine matters of significant public concern related to a specific event or series of events. These inquiries are often initiated in response to incidents that have had a profound impact on society, such as major disasters, public health crises, or controversies involving government actions.

What is the purpose of a public inquiry?

The purpose of a public inquiry can vary significantly depending on the specific topic and terms of reference. Generally, public inquiries aim to address three key questions: “What happened?” – establishing the facts surrounding the event; “Why did it happen?” – analysing the underlying causes and contributing factors; and “Who is to blame?” – identifying accountability among individuals or organisations involved. Additionally, public inquiries seek to provide recommendations to answer the question, “What can be done to prevent this from happening again?”.

What powers do public inquiries have?

Public inquiries have the power to summon witnesses, request documents, and gather evidence. They can also compel individuals to give evidence under oath and may hold hearings in public or private, depending on the sensitivity of the information. Failing to comply with a statutory notice from the inquiry, or attempting to distort, suppress, conceal, alter, destroy evidence, or obstruct the provision of relevant evidence, constitutes a criminal offence.

How does the inquiry process work?

The public inquiry process generally follows a structured path.

Before an inquiry can get underway, a Chairperson will need to be appointed. The Chair is often an experienced legal professional or an individual with relevant expertise in the subject matter being investigated, and they are responsible for leading the inquiry and ensuring that it is conducted fairly and impartially.

All inquiries begin by collecting and analysing a wide range of evidence, including:

Witness statements
Expert reports
Documents and correspondence

This evidence-gathering phase is crucial, as it helps to establish what happened. An inquiry will then move on to a public hearing, where witnesses will present their evidence and ask questions from the inquiry’s counsel and also the representatives of core participants. This will help the inquiry to establish why things happened and what can be done to prevent them from happening again.

Once all evidence has been reviewed, the inquiry publishes a detailed final report outlining:

The key questions it set out to investigate
Its findings and conclusions
Any identified failings
Recommendations for future improvements

The entire process can vary in length from a few months to multiple year depending on the complexity of the issue and the scope of the investigation.

Are the findings of a public inquiry legally binding?

The findings and recommendations of a public inquiry are not legally binding. However, they can carry significant weight and influence public policy, government action, and future legislation. While authorities are not legally obligated to implement the recommendations made by public inquiries, they are generally expected to respond to them in a timely and meaningful manner. In many cases, government bodies and other relevant authorities will issue formal responses outlining how they intend to act on the recommendations or provide justifications for any decisions not to implement them.

How can we help?

If you hold a special interest in an Inquiry and hold, or wish to apply for ‘Core Participant’ status, our expert solicitors are here to help. We can advise you on your rights and responsibilities; such as receiving disclosure of evidence, drafting and making opening and closing statements, and suggesting lines of questioning for witnesses.

Likewise, if you have been affected by an issue which you feel requires a Public Inquiry, we will listen to your case, provide you with advice and if appropriate, support your campaign to get an inquiry established.

As a full-service law firm, we are also able to call on experienced specialists from across the practice who may hold expertise relevant to a particular inquiry.

To discuss your matter, please contact us.