1. The Inquiry places the wellbeing of those who engage with it at the centre of the evidence gathering process and acknowledges that the giving of evidence may be challenging for many people.
2. The Inquiry will treat everyone who engages with it with dignity and respect. All those involved in the Inquiry should help create an environment in which people feel able to share their experiences as fully as they can. Independent, free, and confidential emotional support is available to witnesses in connection with their engagement with the Inquiry. Further information about the support available can be found in the Support section of the Inquiry’s website.
3. The purpose of this Protocol is to set out the principles which will guide the Inquiry in its approach and treatment of vulnerable people during the evidence gathering process and at public hearings.
4. The Inquiry does not intend to cause any harm or distress by using the term vulnerable. It has been adopted to capture situations where the Chair considers that people may benefit from support and assistance to help share their experiences with the Inquiry in the most effective and safest possible way.
5. There is no fixed definition of a vulnerable person. However, the Inquiry considers it may include children or young people, the elderly, those suffering from acute emotional distress, those with mental ill-health, and those with any disability or other long-term physical or mental health condition.
6. It is essential that anyone who is or may be vulnerable is identified as such at the earliest opportunity. The Inquiry is also aware that a person’s vulnerabilities and needs may develop and change over time.
7. If the Chair determines that a person is or may be vulnerable, whether or not this has been raised by the individual or their Recognised Legal Representative (RLR) directly with the Inquiry, he may direct that additional approaches be taken to assist the person in their engagement with the Inquiry.
8. Where a person has needs linked to a vulnerability which may require further support from the Inquiry they, or their RLR, are encouraged to contact the Inquiry team by email at info@orgreave.public-inquiry.uk, or by post – Freepost ORGREAVE INQUIRY. When using the Freepost address, “ORGREAVE INQUIRY” must be written in uppercase.
9. Before making any direction, the Chair may seek further information and must take into consideration any views expressed by the person concerned regarding the type and appropriateness of the proposed measures.
Approach to evidence gathering process
10. Where the Chair considers it appropriate in line with this Protocol, he may direct that one or more of the following approaches must be adopted (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Allowing a witness who is unable to produce a written statement to provide an account to the Inquiry by way of a recorded interview with a member of the Inquiry Legal Team.
- At any meeting or session with the Inquiry which takes place in person, or interview, having a trusted person present. This may be a parent, family member, friend, or other representative. If the person does not have anyone whom they wish to ask to undertake this role, the Inquiry will, where the Chair or Inquiry Legal Team considers it necessary, arrange for an appropriate adult to be present.
- Obtaining a witness’s agreement for the Inquiry to contact someone who can support them following a meeting or interview (such as a family member, or a healthcare professional if a current patient).
- Arranging meetings or interviews with the Inquiry at a time of day, or by use of video conference, that allows a witness to take any necessary steps or seek support either before or after the session.
- Providing additional information to a witness in advance of them attending a meeting or interview. This may include information about the matters likely to be discussed, or providing more information in relation to the Inquiry’s processes.
- Agreeing with a witness the duration of the meeting or interview or the frequency and duration of breaks during sessions.
- Providing access to emotional support through the Inquiry’s dedicated support services before or after a meeting or interview.
Review
11. The Inquiry will keep this Protocol under review to ensure that it remains up to date and reflects the needs and practices of the Inquiry. The Protocol will also be reviewed where changes in legislation may require alterations to relevant policy or practice. Any amendments must be reviewed and approved by the Chair. The updated Protocol will then be published on the Inquiry’s website at the earliest opportunity.
This protocol was last updated September 2026