Lampard Inquiry opens applications from Core Participants

Baroness Kate Lampard CBE is investigating mental health inpatient deaths in Essex

Author: Ellie CloutePublished 22nd Apr 2024

The Lampard Inquiry has today taken its next step forward in investigation mental health inpatient deaths in Essex, as applications open for Core Participant Status.

The Lampard Inquiry is looking into the deaths between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2023.

Baroness Kate Lampard CBE is Chair of the statutory public inquiry and is now inviting applications from Core Participants.

A Core Participant is someone who plays a key role in an inquiry process. They may receive disclosure of evidence, make opening and closing statements, and suggest lines of questioning for witnesses.

Applications from those who have significant interest in the deaths being investigated are invited to apply.

This can include Essex based families of mental health inpatients who have died, current and former mental health staff, and organisations providing inpatient services.

Speaking in a video statement, Baroness Lampard said:

“I am honoured to be chairing the Inquiry and I am committed to carrying out thorough investigations which are appropriately focused and proportionate. This is key given the urgency of the matters I am looking into.

"Now that the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference have been agreed and published, I am able to proceed with the substantive work of the Inquiry. One of the first steps I am taking is to open the application process for Core Participant status.

"I look forward to considering the applications for Core Participant status and to making progress with this important Inquiry.”

You can watch Baroness Lampard’s video statement, published today, on the Lampard Inquiry YouTube channel here.

Earlier this month the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry were extended, with the years in which cases are being examined was extended.

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