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READ MOREIf you have been asked to give evidence at a Public Inquiry, it can seem like a daunting prospect.
The nature of the process means that there is a heightened sense of scrutiny, which can create pressure and stress in the lead up to giving evidence.
BTO is renowned for being involved in many of the Public Inquiries held in Scotland, and elsewhere, in both the healthcare arena and beyond.
As solicitors who specialise in this work, we make the process more manageable for you. We regularly act for people who have been asked to appear as a witness, or produce material, in Public Inquiries.
As we have lawyers experienced in many sectors currently under scrutiny in Public Inquiries, in particular, Scottish healthcare, as well as lawyers in both the criminal and civil fields, we cover a multitude of bases, ensuring that witnesses called to Public Inquiries are protected from adverse criticisms from the Inquiry, as well as their regulators and the Crown.
Our team provides practical and pragmatic advice to anyone asked to give evidence or produce material to a Public Inquiry. Our deep understanding of their work and positive engagement with the Inquiry teams has led to beneficial treatment being given to our clients on many occasions.
We guide you through the process so that there are no surprises at any point. We help you gather the evidence you need and present it in a way that is most helpful to the inquiry.
With our extensive knowledge of inquiries, we make sure that you are seen in the best light, and protected from criticism in the process.
Our expertise
In each of the Inquiries below, we required to understand the Terms of Reference and prepare the witnesses to give evidence, as well as assisting in the drafting of Inquiry Statements. In each case, the clients were represented by one of our solicitors when they gave evidence.
- Penrose Inquiry (infected blood – Scotland only): acting for one clinician.
- Vale of Leven Inquiry (cDifficile): Acting for multiple clinicians (16) across Care of the Elderly and Microbiology.
- Hyponatraemia Inquiry (Belfast – instructed out of jurisdiction): Acting for two clinicians where conflicts arose.
- Independent Neurology Inquiry (Belfast – Instructed out of jurisdiction): Acting for a healthcare professional when a local conflict arose.
- Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry: Acting for two former MSPs, including a former First Minister. We also acted for a psychiatrist.
- Scottish Hospitals Inquiry: Acting for a number of clinicians across Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as for the designers of some of the key measuring and evaluating systems in the hospitals.
- Scottish Covid Inquiry: Instructed by English agents to represent the interests of their client, the College of Paramedics.
- UK Covid Inquiry: Acting for bereaved families.
- Sheku Bayoh Inquiry: Instructed in relation to the death of a young man in 2015.
- UK Infected Blood Inquiry: Instructed for multiple clinicians across the UK (including the clinician we represented in the Penrose Inquiry).
Why BTO?
We are different to most other law firms who appear at Public Inquires in that we routinely carry out our own advocacy, without instructing counsel. Our clients prefer this personal approach from their lawyer who knows their inside out, from their perspective.
Vast experience tells us that early engagement and provision of information held by clients leads to less criticism in the ultimate Report. As a result, we make it our business to work with you and the Inquiry Team, to ensure you are seen as positive and engaging, whether or not you are likely to be criticised.
In Scotland, the Inquiry team is often drawn from the public sector, so it helps if the client team is known to them and known to be keen to facilitate the Inquiry.
We understand that this is a disruptive and uncertain time for witnesses. We will keep you informed at every stage and respond clearly and promptly to your questions or concerns.
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