COVID-19 Inquiry hub

Shoosmiths is committed to supporting our clients through the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19. This dedicated hub provides access to our latest insights and essential information concerning the COVID-19 Inquiry

Explore all our coronavirus insights

Shoosmiths is committed to supporting our clients through the ongoing and unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the lead up to, and during the COVID-19 Inquiry, this dedicated hub maintained by our Public Inquiry lawyers will provide access to the latest insights along with webinars, podcasts and essential information concerning the Inquiry.

Preparing for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry

What is the UK COVID-19 Inquiry?

The UK COVID-19 Inquiry is the independent public inquiry set up by government to examine the UK’s preparedness and response to the pandemic and to learn lessons for the future. A separate public inquiry is being held in Scotland.

When is the UK Inquiry going to happen?

The preliminary stages of the Inquiry are already underway. The Inquiry will be split into a number of Modules, or separate investigations into different topic areas. New Modules continue to be announced. Evidence is being collected and substantive public hearings will commence on 13 June 2023 (in respect of Module 1 which will examine the UK’s resilience and preparedness for a Coronavirus pandemic).

Who might become involved?

Organisations which played a key role in events, were seriously affected by the pandemic, or are likely to be the subject of criticism may wish to apply to be a ‘core participant’ in one or more Modules, meaning a full party to the Inquiry’s investigations into that topic area. Witnesses to events may be asked (and could be compelled) to give evidence to the Inquiry, but not necessarily invited to participate any further.

Why you might wish to be involved as a party to the UK Inquiry?

  • You may wish to have your organisation’s experience heard and ensure that the challenges faced by your sector are presented and understood.
  • You may wish to protect your organisation’s reputation position if you anticipate the actions of your organisation being investigated.
  • Engagement may enable you to influence the recommendations the Inquiry ultimately makes (which are likely to shape future government policies).
  • If you believe your organisation might be required to give evidence in any event, engaging as a party may aid your preparations and help you to build a positive relationship with the Inquiry.

What are the downsides to being involved as a party?

Being involved is likely to take up a substantial amount of time and money. If your organisation’s involvement was peripheral then engagement may draw unwanted attention to you.

How should I prepare?

The immediate questions you need to consider are whether the Inquiry may call on your organisation to give evidence, and/or whether you may wish to voluntarily engage with the Inquiry as a party. If you become involved then you will need to consider:

  • Funding. Government funding is unlikely for private sector organisations. Check your insurance policies carefully.
  • Is there is an opportunity to engage as a group with other organisations, for example under an umbrella trade association, so that costs can be shared and evidence gathering co-ordinated?
  • Evidence. Do you need to conduct an internal investigation to understand yourself what happened?
  • Following this, who would be best placed in your organisation to give evidence?
  • Preservation of documents. If you think you might be required to give evidence, you should take steps to preserve all documents and records relevant to your response to the pandemic.
  • Representation. We recommend early engagement with an experienced legal team.

Shoosmiths Inquiry experience

Shoosmiths can support and represent you at all stages - whether as a party or as a witness. The Shoosmiths Inquests and Inquiries team has significant experience of acting in a number of high profile Inquiries and Inquests, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the Croydon tram crash Inquest and the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Listen to our COVID-19 Inquiry webinars & podcasts

COVID-19 inquiry timeline

  • 13 June 2023 – UK Covid-19 Inquiry begins hearing evidence

    The Inquiry begins hearing evidence at Dorland House, marking the start of the Inquiry proper. The first phase of the public hearings cover Module 1, looking at pandemic preparedness and resilience.

    Read more
  • 25 April 2023 – Third Module 1 Preliminary Hearing

    Additional preliminary hearing for Module 1, covering how the formal hearings will run, and including submissions from Counsel to the Inquiry and Core Participants to assist in preparing for the public hearings.

  • 29 March 2023 – Second Preliminary Hearings for Modules 2B and 2C

    Additional preliminary hearings for Module 2B and 2C take place. Module 2B and 2C cover devolved government in Wales and Northern Ireland respectively, including strategic issues and political governance.

  • 21 March 2023 – Further Module 2A Preliminary Hearing

    Additional preliminary hearing for Module 2A. Module 2A covers devolved government in Scotland, including strategic issues, core/political governance, lockdowns and restrictions.

  • 1 March 2023 – Further Module 2 Preliminary Hearing

    Additional preliminary hearing for Module 2. Module 2 examines core political and administrative decision-making throughout the UK; government structure; political governance; the initial response; and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

  • 28 February 2023 – Preliminary Hearing for Module 3

    Preliminary hearing for Module 3. Module 3 examines how healthcare systems responded to the pandemic and the impact on healthcare systems and services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

    Read more
  • 14 February 2023 – Further Module 1 Preliminary Hearing

    Preliminary hearing for Module 1. Module 1 looks at pandemic preparedness and resilience.

  • 8 November 2022 – Module 3 announced

    The Inquiry opens its third investigation (Module 3), which considers the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Applications to become a Core Participant for Module 3 closed on 5 December 2022.

    Read more
  • 2 November 2022 – Preliminary Hearing for Module 2C

    Preliminary hearing for Module 2C takes place on 2 November 2022. Module 2C examines the core political and administrative decision-making in Northern Ireland in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • 1 November 2022 – Preliminary Hearings for Modules 2A and 2B

    The preliminary hearings for Module 2A and 2B take place on 1 November 2022. Modules 2A and 2B examine the core political and administrative decision-making in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland and Wales, respectively.

  • 31 October 2022 – Preliminary Hearing for Module 2

    The preliminary hearing for Module 2 takes place on 31 October 2022. Module 2 examines the UK’s core political and administrative decision-making in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Read more
  • 4 October 2022 – Preliminary Hearing for Module 1

    The preliminary hearing for Module 1 takes place on 4 October 2022. Module 1 examines the UK’s resilience and preparedness for the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Read more
  • August 2022 - Module 2 announced

    The second investigation (Module 2) examines the political and administrative decision making of the UK and devolved Governments, with the focus on the initial response in early 2020. This module is split into four parts (covering the UK (2), Scotland (2A), Wales (2B), and Northern Ireland (2C)). Applications to become a Core Participant for Module 3 closed on 23 September 2022.

    Read more
  • July 2022 - Opening of Inquiry 

    Rt Hon Baroness Hallett officially opens the first investigation (Module 1) with preliminary hearings starting later in 2022 and first witnesses being called in Spring 2023 (subsequently pushed back to June 2023).

    Read more
  • June 2022 - Final Terms of Reference agreed 

    The Prime Minister formally sets the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry.

    Read more
  • March 2022 - Draft Terms of Reference published & consultation period begins 

    Over 20,000 people responded to the consultation during a four-week period.

  • December 2021 - Announcement of Inquiry Chair 

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the Chair of the Public Inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett.

    Read more
  • May 2021 - Government confirms that a Public Inquiry will take place

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson commits to holding a public inquiry into COVID-19.

    Read more

COVID-19 inquiry insights from our lawyers

Get in touch

Not sure who to contact? Let us help you find the right lawyer.

How we can help