This course will take the form of a practical workshop carefully designed to improve the performance of anyone who might be called upon to participate in a Public Inquiry concerned with the historic environment. The aims will be to present the terms of procedure, the roles of the participants and the general feel of a Public Inquiry.
A mock Public Inquiry will be mounted using a genuine case study. Training for potential witnesses will be given in how to prepare evidence for a Public Inquiry, how to produce proofs of evidence and to experience them being given and tested under realistic conditions.
Before the course, you will receive a study pack including a guide to the preparation of evidence. You will be allocated a role to play in the Inquiry and asked to prepare a proof of evidence to fit this role. You will be asked to indicate your area of interest or expertise in advance of the course so that roles can be appropriately assigned.
The Inquiry will be video recorded to allow an analysis and feedback to be given on the final day.
Please note that the Tuesday evening session may extend beyond 9.00pm, so we recommend that all participants book a residential place or arrange accommodation in/near Oxford.