Practical planning for a public inquiry

Before the public inquiry can begin the investigation with which it is charged in its terms of reference, it will need to make planning, secretarial and administrative decisions. The importance of these decisions cannot be overstated.

The inquiry team must:

• Recruit a team

• Secure premises for office space and in which to hold a hearing, if the public inquiry is going to hear oral evidence

• Establish the participants in an inquiry the core participants

• Establish the relationship with the Inquiry Panel

• Enter into contracts for services