Reforming the UK public inquiry process

Ireton, E ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4106-1697, 2025. Reforming the UK public inquiry process. Nottingham: Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Clearer articulation of an inquiry’s primary purpose, proportionate use of a wider range of inquiry models, more effective management of expectations, better sharing of best practice to inform inquiry decision making, and improved monitoring of implementation of inquiry recommendations are essential to improving UK public inquiry process.

Recommendations:
1.Ministers must determine an inquiry’s primary purpose at the outset and align the inquiry model, terms of reference, and estimated timelines and resources, with that purpose.
2. Inquiry chairs must interpret the terms of reference and adopt procedures and conduct in line with that primary purpose.
3.The Inquiries Act 2005 should be retained, but the Inquiry Rules 2006 revised to preserve the discretion of the inquiry chair.
4.Reflective practice and the open sharing of best practice should be embedded in the public inquiry process to inform and support the decision making of inquiry chairs.
5.Ministers should make greater use of a wider range of inquiry models, designed around the specific needs of each inquiry.
6.Public and participant expectations must be managed more effectively, with clear communication of an inquiry’s purpose and the justification for the model used.
7.Formal monitoring must be introduced, with public tracking of implementation, oversight, and independent scrutiny.

Item Type:	Research report for external body
Creators:	Ireton, E.
Publisher:	Nottingham Trent University
Place of Publication:	Nottingham
Date:	9 December 2025
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.17631/rd-2025-0024-drep DOI 2544768 Other
Rights:	© Nottingham Trent University 2025
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Law School
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	09 Dec 2025 12:44
Last Modified:	09 Dec 2025 12:55
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54845

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