Page 117 - When Things Go Wrong

35. Sufficient time should be allowed for the setting of terms of reference, to
enable issues to be identified and proper consultation (including with bereaved
people and survivors) to take place (para 4.22).

Management of evidence

36. Where documents have been received by the coroner and there is no objection
from the record-holder, a presumption that disclosure should be made to
bereaved family interested persons within seven days of receipt should apply.
Where in exceptional circumstances disclosure within that period is not
possible, notice should be given to the relevant interested persons (para 4.30).

37. Special procedure inquests and public inquiries should issue regular, public
updates on disclosure, including the number of documents already disclosed and
time estimates for the completion of any processing phase (para 4.31).

38. Leaders of public sector bodies should commit to Bishop James Jones’s
‘Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy’ (para 4.40).

39. A statutory duty of candour in inquests and inquiries should be introduced,
subject to the privilege against self-incrimination (paras 4.43 and 4.48).

Hearing Procedure and Practice

40. All inquest and inquiry professionals should be encouraged through training,
continuing professional development and reflective processes to empathise with
bereaved people and survivors (para 5.3i).

41. Careful consideration should be given to communication in the hearing to
ensure that – as far as possible – the proceedings can be fully understood by
family members and members of the public (para 5.3ii).

42. Inquests and inquiries should put systems in place so that vulnerabilities of any
interested persons, core participants or other witnesses are identified early and
appropriate adjustments made to enable them to effectively participate (para
5.3iii).

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