Publish date: 29 Mar 2023

Press Release

Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry hearings: continuation of Phase 1

In May 2023, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry will resume hearing expert evidence relating to Phase 1 of its investigations.

The Inquiry will hear from experts: Professor Ian Levitt (Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of Central Lancashire); Professor Andy Kendrick (Emeritus Professor, CELCIS, University of Strathclyde); and Professor Lynn Abrams (Professor of Modern History, University of Glasgow) and their evidence will cover the development of regulatory and social policy in relation to the provision of residential care for children in Scotland (including foster care), the evolution of inspection systems, and the state of knowledge within government of the presence, nature and extent of abuse in care settings.

Hearings will start on 23 May 2023 and will take place in Edinburgh at the Inquiry’s hearing venue on the 2nd floor of Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA.  They are expected to run for two weeks.

Those previously granted leave to appear for Phase 1 do not need to reapply. Any new applications should be made no later than noon on 14 April 2023 .

What’s involved in having “leave to appear” is explained here on the Inquiry’s website: https://www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedures/protocols/pre-hearing-procedures/. Application forms can also be found on the website.

Members of the public do not need “leave to appear” to attend hearings and are welcome to sit in the public gallery. Further information about public access can be found on the Inquiry’s website.

Application for leave to appear