Giving evidence
Please contact the Inquiry on 020 7404 6082 as soon as possible if for any reason you are unable to attend the Inquiry on the day that you are due to give evidence.
If you are legally represented your solicitors will be able to advise you on procedure and you may wish to meet with them before arriving at Finlaison House. You should keep in contact with them about your availability and notify them immediately if anything changes.
Arriving at Finlaison House
- Click here for details of the Inquiry's location
On arrival please report to the Inquiry reception desk on the ground floor. No harmful objects are allowed in Finlaison House. There is a security scanner at the entrance that you will have to pass through.
You will be shown to the Inquiry room by a member of Inquiry staff. An usher will take you to the witness waiting area where you will be offered a tea or coffee. A member of the Inquiry team will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Please remember to bring reading glasses, if you require them. It is also a good idea to have copies of your statement(s) and any relevant documents. If you have one, your legal representative will be able to talk this through with you.
You will need to turn your mobile phone off while you are at the Inquiry.
Witnesses who have been granted anonymity or certain reporting restrictions may wish to enter the hearing room more discreetly. Please discuss this with your legal representative or, if you are unrepresented, please call 020 7404 6082.
Friends, family and legal representatvies
You may bring a friend or member of your family with you, and they will be able to sit in the hearing room while you give your evidence.
The witness waiting room is small, and so only one other person will be able to sit with you. If you wish, you can have a discussion with your legal representative in the witness room or just sit on your own or with a friend. If you would like support from someone else please look at our section on witness support
Inquiry Attire
Although there is no formal dress code at the Inquiry, it is recommended that you wear a suit or similar smart attire. As others at the Inquiry will be in business attire and you may feel more comfortable in something similiar.
Current serving members of the armed forces are advised not to wear uniforms and may feel more comfortable in a suit or similiar smart attire.
Giving your evidence
When the time comes to give your evidence, an usher will show you from the witness room to the hearing room. You will be seated in front of a microphone while you give your evidence, facing the Chairman and with a good view of Counsel to the Inquiry.
You will be asked to take the oath. You can ask to see it beforehand so you can feel more comfortable with it. You can take the oath on the holy book of your religion or you can affirm (promise) to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. However you do it, you’re promising to tell the absolute truth. The Inquiry will ask your legal representative about this when you are asked to attend the Inquiry, and the usher will ask you about on the day.
You will be asked questions mainly by Counsel to the Inquiry. Please answer each question truthfully to the best of your ability. Take whatever time you need before answering. If you do not know the answer to a question, cannot remember or simply do not understand the question, please inform Counsel or ask for clarification of any point. There is no rush.
The Chairman or other legal representatives may also ask you questions.
You may sit or stand while you answer the questions. In front of you will be a screen on which relevant documents or pictures will appear. Counsel may ask you to look at the screen and may also ask you to show things on it. You can do this simply by touching the screen in the appropriate place.
A stenographer will be transcribing your evidence as you speak. The Inquiry hearings are public and your evidence will be posted in the transcripts section of the Inquiry’s website later that day. If you have been granted anonymity or other restrictions then the appropriate personal details will not be published.
Refreshments
Water will be available in the witness room and the hearing room. We will also make sure that you have tea or coffee during long breaks in proceedings.
If you are at the Inquiry during the lunch break we will provide you with a sandwich lunch. An usher will ask you about any dietary requirements on the morning that you arrive.
After giving your evidence
You will be told by the Chairman when your evidence is complete or whether (and when) you need to return. After you have finished giving evidence you may stay and watch the remainder of proceedings that day, or you may leave straight away. The ushers and Inquiry staff will be able to help you and answer any questions.
Expenses
If you incur expenses as a result of giving evidence at the Inquiry, you may be entitled to claim these back. Your legal representative, if you have one, should be able to advise you. The Inquiry has published a protocol on expense claims that provides information on what claims can be made.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact your legal representative, the Inquiry or the organisations listed in the witness support section of our website.