Covid Inquiries agree co-operation practice
An agreement over how to minimise duplication of work has been signed by the Scottish and UK Covid-19 Inquiries.
Lord Brailsford, chair of the Scottish inquiry, and Baroness Heather Hallett, chair of the UK inquiry, have concluded a memorandum of understanding covering investigation, evidence gathering and reporting.
It includes commitments to providing clear information to the public about how each inquiry will carry out its investigations in Scotland, minimise duplication of work through information sharing and maximise value for money to the public purse.
Both inquiries are bound by their respective terms of reference and there will be occasions where the UK inquiry will consider the same issues as the Scottish inquiry, including where those matters are devolved. They are however required to work together to minimise duplication and manage the burden on those organisations asked to provide material.
To provide clarity for the public, the inquiries agree to coordinate public statements or updates, where appropriate; develop a shared message to assist understanding of differences in their investigative approaches; and link their respective websites and, where possible, provide consistent messages and use consistent terminology.
For their respective listening projects the inquiries will work together including on how best to minimise the impact on those who wish to participate in both projects. Further steps are set out for topics within both inquiries' terms of reference. A separate agreement will cover (confidential) sharing of information and documentation obtained by one inquiry that is relevant to the work of the other, and regular meetings will take place between the respective inquiry teams.
Lord Brailsford commented: “By working together we aim to ensure no issues fall through gaps and that we share information and plans, for the benefit of the people of Scotland.”