Specialist Public Inquiry Solicitors
Public Inquiries investigate matters of significant public concern. They can examine what happened, why it happened, whether there were wider or systemic failings and what lessons need to be learned.
For those directly affected, a Public Inquiry can provide an important opportunity to seek answers, understand what went wrong and contribute towards meaningful change.
At Ison Harrison, we understand that becoming involved in a Public Inquiry can be daunting, particularly when it follows traumatic or life-changing circumstances. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the process, explain your options clearly and ensure your interests are properly represented.
How Can We Help?
Our Public Inquiry solicitors can provide advice and representation at different stages of the process, including:
- Advising on your involvement in a Public Inquiry
- Applications for Core Participant status
- Preparing evidence and witness statements
- Reviewing evidence and documentation
- Legal representation throughout the inquiry and at hearings
- Working with specialist barristers and experts where required
- Advising on potential funding for legal representation
You do not necessarily need to be designated a Core Participant to provide information or evidence to a Public Inquiry. Where appropriate, our team can advise you on your status and the best way to engage with the inquiry.
Why Choose Ison Harrison?
Our lawyers have significant experience in complex and high-profile cases involving public bodies, healthcare organisations, Inquests and Public Inquiries.
We understand that behind every inquiry are individuals and families looking for answers. We combine specialist legal expertise with a compassionate and approachable service, helping our clients understand the process and ensuring their concerns are heard. Our wider expertise in Inquests, Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and Human Rights enables us to support clients where an inquiry overlaps with other complex areas of law.
Public Inquiry FAQs
A Public Inquiry is an investigation into an issue or event of significant public concern. Its purpose is to establish the facts, understand what happened and why, identify any wider or systemic failings and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the future.
A statutory Public Inquiry is established under legislation such as the Inquiries Act 2005 and has formal legal powers. These can include powers to require witnesses to give evidence and to compel the production of relevant documents.
A non-statutory inquiry does not have the same statutory powers, although it can still investigate matters of public concern, hear evidence and make findings or recommendations.
The nature and powers of an inquiry will therefore depend upon how it has been established and its Terms of Reference.
A Core Participant is a person or organisation formally designated by the Chair of a Public Inquiry because of their particular connection to the matters being investigated.
Core Participants have specific rights within the inquiry process. However, you do not necessarily need to be a Core Participant to provide information or evidence. Our solicitors can advise you on your circumstances and whether applying for Core Participant status may be appropriate.
Not everyone involved in a Public Inquiry will require legal representation. However, if you or your family are directly affected by the matters being investigated, specialist legal advice can help you understand the inquiry process, your rights and the different ways in which you may be able to participate.
Our Public Inquiry Work
Our specialist lawyers are involved in Public Inquiry work concerning serious and sensitive matters, including cases involving healthcare and mental health services.
Ison Harrison currently represents families and individuals in connection with the statutory Public Inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), building on our work supporting families through related inquests and investigations.
Current Public Inquiries
If you or your family have been affected by an issue being examined by a Public Inquiry, our specialist team is here to help.
We will listen to your circumstances, explain the process clearly and advise you on the options available.
Contact Ison Harrison today to speak confidentially with a member of our Public Inquiry team.
Affected by the TEWV Public Inquiry?
Ison Harrison is representing families and individuals in connection with the Public Inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
If you have concerns about care provided by TEWV, have been affected by the issues being examined by the Public Inquiry or would like to understand how you may be able to participate, our specialist team is here to help.
Speak to our TEWV Public Inquiry team today on 01642 072018 or email TEWVinquiry@isonharrison.co.uk.