This page provides an accessible HTML version of the October 2026 Orgreave Inquiry newsletter.
You can download a PDF version here October 2026 Newsletter
In this Issue:
- Message from the Chair
- Core Participant Update
- Community Listening Events
- Options to Engage with the Inquiry
Message from the Chair
This autumn marks an important stage in the Inquiry’s work as we begin a programme of Community Listening Events across a number of locations and with a range of communities with an interest in the Inquiry.
Listening to those affected by the events at Orgreave remains an important part of helping the Inquiry understand not only what happened, but the lasting impact those events had on individuals, families and communities. The forthcoming engagement activities will provide opportunities for people to share their experiences and help the Inquiry better understand the impact of events at Orgreave on individuals, families and communities, in a supportive environment.
I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Community Listening Events, or in sharing their experiences with the Inquiry, to read the information provided in this newsletter and on our website.
As the Inquiry’s work progresses, we continue to gather and assess information from a variety of sources. Documents, records and witness accounts all play an important role in helping us develop a comprehensive understanding of the matters within our Terms of Reference. Hearing directly from those who wish to engage with the Inquiry will complement this work and ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered.
This month’s edition also includes an update on Core Participant applications, together with information about the different ways people can engage with the Inquiry, including providing evidence, submitting documents and attending Community Listening Events.
I would like to thank everyone who continues to engage with the Inquiry’s work. Whether by sharing experiences, attending events, providing evidence or engaging with our work, your contribution helps us build a fuller understanding of the matters we have been asked to examine.
Core Participant Applications
The Chair has now considered the applications received for Core Participant status. Core Participants are people or organisations with a particularly significant interest in the Inquiry’s work and who are given certain rights to participate more formally in the Inquiry and who embrace certain responsibilities, for example in relation to confidentiality.
The Chair has now made decisions on Core Participant designations and details will be published on the Inquiry’s website shortly.
Community Listening Events
The Orgreave Inquiry is holding a series of Community Listening Events for people who were involved in, or affected by, the events at Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984. These events provide an opportunity to meet Chair & Panel as well as members of the Inquiry team, learn more about the Inquiry’s work and, if you wish, share your experiences and reflections.
Community Listening Events are not evidence-gathering sessions. Anything shared will not be treated as evidence or used as a witness statement. Participants will not be questioned, challenged or cross examined and may share as much or as little as they feel comfortable sharing. Independent wellbeing support will be available throughout.
Information shared during Community Listening Events will help the Inquiry understand the impact of the events at Orgreave on individuals, families and communities and will be reflected in an anonymised summary of the themes discussed.
Upcoming events
Barnsley
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Barnsley NUM, Miners Offices, 2 Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S70 2LS
- Registration closes: 22 October 2026
- Click here to register
Durham
- Thursday 12 November 2026
- Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham DH1 4BE
- Registration closes: 30 October 2026
- Click here to register
For more information about Community Listening Events, including what to expect and how the information shared will be used, please visit Community Listening Events
Options to Engage with the Inquiry
There are a number of meaningful ways you can engage with and contribute to the Inquiry’s work.
Giving Evidence
You can provide evidence to the Inquiry by way of a witness statement. This could include:
- Written statement – You can prepare and submit a written witness statement in your own words.
- Assisted statement – If you would prefer, we can take your evidence and prepare a witness statement on your behalf, for you to approve.
We are committed to being flexible about where and how this takes place, so that the process best supports you.
Submitting Documents
If you hold documents that you believe are relevant to the Inquiry’s work, you can submit these directly to the Inquiry:
- Via Email: legal@orgreave.public-inquiry.uk
- Via Post: Freepost ORGREAVE INQUIRY. Please note, ‘Orgreave Inquiry’ needs to be in capitals for it to reach us. Please let us know if you would like your original documents returned to you in your response.
- In Person: If you have documents that you are unable to scan or would prefer not to post, or if you have any concerns about handing over original material or your only copy, we can speak to you about how we can manage this. Please contact us at legal@orgreave.public-inquiry.uk
Monitoring the Inquiry
There are several ways to follow the Inquiry’s progress:
- Live-streamed hearings – At present, only two hearings are planned: one at the start of the Inquiry and one at the end. These hearings, where opening and closing statements will be
made, will be live-streamed and open to the public to attend in person. - Published evidence – The Inquiry will in due course publish evidence on its website which you will be able to read.
- Regular updates – The Inquiry publishes regular updates on its website explaining the progress of its work.
Listening Events
The Inquiry is holding a series of listening events across the country where individuals can share their experiences in person. These are not evidence-gathering sessions, and what you share will not be treated as evidence. Members of the Inquiry Legal Team will be available at the events to discuss how you can give evidence to the Inquiry. Further details, including dates and locations, will be available on the Inquiry’s website.
For more information, please visit the Inquiry’s website or contact the Inquiry team by email info@orgreave.public-inquiry.uk
Support
Engaging with an Inquiry can bring up complex feelings and memories. Hestia provide independent, trauma-informed emotional support.
Please call: 0800 246 5617 or email: orgreaveinquiry.support@hestia.org
Contact
Email: info@orgreave.public-inquiry.uk
Freepost: ORGREAVE INQUIRY