** This event has been CANCELLED

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.

Active participation in the course will be limited to 14 participants. There will also be a limited number of places available for observers who do not wish to play an active part. Observers will receive the study pack, attend the sessions and participate in the Inquiry as members of the public. The Inquiry will be video recorded to allow an analysis and feedback to be given on the final day.

Please note that the Wednesday evening session may extend beyond 9.00pm, so we recommend that all participants book a residential place or arrange accommodation in/near Oxford.

Programme

Wednesday 25 November

2.00pm Registration

2.15pm Introduction

2.30pm Background

3.45pm Tea/coffee

4.15pm Case preparation

7.00pm Dinner

8.15pm Case consultation

Thursday 26 November

8.00am Breakfast (residents only)

9.30am The Public Inquiry (practical session)

11.00am Coffee/tea

11.30am The Public Inquiry (continued)

1.00pm   Lunch

2.00pm The Public Inquiry (continued)

3.30pm Tea/coffee

3.45pm The Public Inquiry (continued)

5.00pm Break

7.00pm Dinner

8.15pm Informal Discussion

Friday 27 November

8.00am Breakfast (residents only)

9.00am Video presentation

10.30am Coffee/tea

11.00am Analysis

1.00pm Lunch

2.00pm Course disperses

Course Directors

Roger Thomas, Barrister and Archaeologist

George Lambrick, Archaeology and Heritage Consultant

Planning Inspector

Richard Tamplin

Advocates

David Woolley QC

Allan Ledden, Solicitor