Public Inquiries
Public inquiries are usually both formal and major investigations; they are convened by a government minister with the intention of examining a specific event or an issue of public concern or interest. These investigations can be granted special powers to compel testimony and the disclosure of other forms of evidence. This will often involve extensive legal procedures and requires specialised knowledge of this area of law to be able to navigate them most effectively.
High profile inquiries in the last few years have addressed subjects such as major transport accidents, fires – with Grenfell as a very recent example; pension fund mismanagement, outbreaks of disease such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and cases of widespread abuse, for example, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), to name just a few.
What is the Purpose of a Public Inquiry?
Some of the main objectives of an inquiry are as follows:
- To establish the facts
- To identify causes
- To hold people or organisations accountable
- To recommend changes
- To restore public trust
- To clarify legal or ethical issues
Overall, the aim is to provide a thorough, impartial examination of critical issues and help to ensure justice, reform, and accountability for all who are affected.
Experience in Handling Inquiries
Our combined barristers and solicitors practice has significant experience in representing a wide variety of clients in public inquiries; individuals, trustees and companies.
At Leverets, we provide our clients with comprehensive support, from legal advice on the preparation and the participation in an inquiry, to in-person representation at the inquiry hearings themselves. Our goal is always to ensure that their voice is heard and that their rights are protected throughout the process.
If you want to hear more about our experience in this field, please get in touch and we would be happy to talk to you about our background and expertise.
Leverets’ Involvement in Public Inquiries
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
Set up in 2015 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, over the course of 7 years IICSA conducted 15 investigations and published 19 related investigation reports. The final report summarised the evidence of the 7,000 victims and 725 witnesses that gave evidence during the 325 days of public hearings.
Keeping Kids Company
The public inquiry was launched to understand why Kids Company collapsed, investigate how the charity was run, and assess the roles of its leadership, trustees, and government officials.
Covid-19 Inquiry
Leverets has been appointed by Coram Group, the first and longest serving children’s charity in the UK, as its legal representative in Module 8 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Module 8 will examine the impact of the pandemic on children and young people.
Our Wider Interest
Our blog contains a number of articles about our involvement, and wider interest, in inquiries. Look through our Insights page to see where our interest and experience lay.
The video here is discussing the Kids Company trial, with Natasha Jackson, a barrister formerly of 3 Hare Court who represented Camila Batmanghelidjh (led by Rupert Butler) in the Kids Company trial, and assisted by Katharine Bailey a pupil barrister at 3 Hare Court at the time of the trial.
Here they consider the implications of the recent Kids Company litigation for charities and their directors.
Let us help you
If you are involved in a public inquiry or need legal advice regarding any aspect of inquiries, reach out and contact us today.
Let our expert team of barristers and solicitors guide you through the process and protect your interests. We have a proven track record.
