Phases of the Inquiry

Phase 1 – Scoping Exercise (Spring 2026)

Initial information gathering, including the Call for Evidence to develop a List of Key Issues. See below for Summary of Phase 1: Scoping Exercise

The Orgreave Inquiry opened its Call for Evidence on 26 March 2026, which signified the start of Phase One of the Inquiry. 

The Inquiry’s Information Booklet was sent to the constituency office of all 650 Members of Parliament and over 3,500 copies have been circulated around the UK, including at the Orgreave Anniversary March and Rally on 13 June 2026.  
 
By 3 July 2026, the Inquiry had received over 100 responses, varying in length, format, and the issues covered. These included video clips, voice recordings, legal documents, photographs, newspaper articles, and published academic material.  
 
The responses ranged from declarations of interest in engagement to firsthand accounts of events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984. They also included descriptions of the personal impact of events on family and local community.  
 
This material, taken together with stakeholder engagement, has identified a further 118 Persons of Interest who will be contacted as the Inquiry moves forward.  
 
The emerging themes from these initial responses informed the Inquiry’s Provisional List of Issues, published on 3 July 2026, which marked the end of Phase One.  
 
The List of Issues will remain in a provisional state as it may evolve throughout the Inquiry’s life.  
 
We recognise that coming forward can feel difficult, and the Call for Evidence remains open to ensure people have the opportunity to share experiences and information when they are ready. Any evidence submitted to the Inquiry will be treated with care, respect, and sensitivity, and will help to inform the Inquiry’s work. 

Phase 2 – Core Participant Applications (Summer 2026)

Applications invited from organisations and designation made of 'Core Participant' status by the Inquiry who will then have the right to receive disclosure of evidence and make legal submissions.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 2.

Phase 3 – Listening Exercise (2026-2027)

Engagement with affected communities to hear their experiences and perspectives running parallel to the formal evidence gathering.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 3 .

Phase 4 – Formal Evidence Gathering (Rule 9 requests) (from Autumn 2026)

Requests issued for documents and witness evidence from identified material providers, and reviewing the evidence received.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 4.

Phase 5 – Disclosure (throughout 2026-2027)

Sharing the formal evidence gathered with Core Participants.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 5.

Phase 6 – Further Evidence Requests (Rule 9 requests) (Spring 2027)

Additional requests issued to some individuals and organisations, where required, and in consultation with Core Participants.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 6.

Phase 7 – Evidence Analysis and Report Writing (to late 2027)

Reviewing the totality of the formal evidence and the results from the listening exercise in order to prepare a written report.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 7.

Phase 8 – Warning Letters (late 2027)

Warning letters issued to any person or organisation who is subject to explicit or significant criticism, allowing them a reasonable opportunity to respond.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 8.

Phase 9 – Publication of Report and Online Archive (Early Spring 2028)

The Inquiry publishes its final report, and all ‘relevant’ documents are made available as a digital archive.

A summary for this phase will be added at the end of Phase 9.