Definition of an Interested Party

Lord Laming, the Chairman of the Inquiry, has decided to recognise certain organisations and individuals as Interested Parties, in Phase One.

This has been done to ensure that those who can are in the best position to assist the Inquiry can do so.

Who can be an Interested Party?

Lord Laming has set two tests, both of which must be met, before Interested Party status is given:

• That the organisation or individual concerned appears to have played a direct and substantial role in the services - referred to in the Inquiry's Terms of Reference - provided to Victoria, Kouao and Manning.

• That the organisation or individual concerned has asked to be recognised as an Interested Party.

Lord Laming recognises that some people, who fall outside the scope of these two tests, ought to be recognised because they have a special interest. Victoria's family is a clear case in point and therefore has also been given Interested Party status.

What happens once Interested Party status is given?

Once an organisation or individual becomes an Interested Party they will be:

• Provided with bundles of witness statements and documents,

• Permitted to make opening and closing submissions.

The Inquiry has no intention of giving Interested Parties any substantial advantage over others. Thus, those organisations and individuals who are not Interested Parties but who wish to have access to identified documents, or make submissions, may apply to the Secretary to the Inquiry for permission.

Will a different lawyer represent each Interested Party?

No. Those Interested Parties with common or similar interests will have to appear before the Inquiry with one lawyer.

Who can be represented by lawyers?

• Interested Parties can either pay for their own legal representation or apply to the Inquiry for funding to be legally represented.

• People who are part of an Interested Party but who don't wish to be represented by their lawyer will normally be permitted to have a solicitor or other representative present while they give evidence.

• People who are not an Interested Party, or part of an Interested Party, will also normally be allowed to have a solicitor or other representative present for the duration of their evidence.