Regulatory, Investigations and Inquests

Expert advice and representation for Local Government on regulatory issues, investigations and inquest proceedings.

More about our Regulatory and Investigation support

Increasing regulation is adding pressure to local authorities and the implications of not complying can be severely damaging. Our regulatory team offers proactive support and expert guidance to local government customers nationwide.

We understand the financial and reputational damage a regulatory investigation can cause, so our guidance is tailored to help you manage this risk.

Investigations by regulatory bodies (such as HSE or CQC) can lead to potential enforcement action following a potential breach of a statutory duty. We can assist from investigation phase to any PACE interview to representation at Magistrates or Crown Court should enforcement action proceed. The Regulatory team and firm have a strong reputation for defence of organisations and individuals.

We are experienced in dealing with all aspects of high value, complex and fatal accidents. With serious and fatal accidents there is the potential for external Regulatory investigations, leading to the issue of prohibition and improvement notices, responding to Notice of Contraventions, PACE interviews, prosecutions for breach of regulations, gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and inquests. We support clients through the whole process from the event, to the investigation and the conclusion.

Learn more about our Local Government Inquest support services

We are able to provide a complete service from pre-inquest assistance to advocacy and representation at inquest hearings. Our team regularly deal with complex and Article 2 inquests and, a detailed and focused investigation which is fundamental to submitting to the Coroner that there are no reportable concerns leading to a need for a report under regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Death. We identify risks and ensure measures have taken place to allay those concerns by the stage of the inquest hearing.

Learn more about our Local Government Inquest support services

Our experience

Our recent experience acting for local authorities includes:

Representing a lead teacher who faced a criminal offence of involuntary homicide in France when a school child drowned during a school trip. The court case attracted high profile media attention and dealing with media crisis management issues. The defence led to the teacher being acquitted at both first instance and at the Court of Appeal of the offence. Also representing the Employer/Council for the inquest proceedings in the UK as an interested person.
Representing a Council in relation to a fatality where a refuse vehicle reversed knocking over a pedestrian in a back street. The case involved an inquest with a jury.
Advising the chief executive of a metropolitan authority in relation to an appearance before Parliamentary Select Committee
Acting for highway authorities at inquests following two fatal accidents involving motorcyclists losing control of their bikes. The first accident was allegedly due to an area of depression in the carriageway. The second accident was allegedly due to insufficient drainage of surface water.

Our experience

Our recent experience acting for local authorities includes:

Representing a lead teacher who faced a criminal offence of involuntary homicide in France when a school child drowned during a school trip. The court case attracted high profile media attention and dealing with media crisis management issues. The defence led to the teacher being acquitted at both first instance and at the Court of Appeal of the offence. Also representing the Employer/Council for the inquest proceedings in the UK as an interested person.
Representing a Council in relation to a fatality where a refuse vehicle reversed knocking over a pedestrian in a back street. The case involved an inquest with a jury.
Advising the chief executive of a metropolitan authority in relation to an appearance before Parliamentary Select Committee
Acting for highway authorities at inquests following two fatal accidents involving motorcyclists losing control of their bikes. The first accident was allegedly due to an area of depression in the carriageway. The second accident was allegedly due to insufficient drainage of surface water.