Public Inquiries

Aims:

PTRC's Public Inquiries course is a must for any practitioner who may need to give evidence as an expert witness on behalf of a local authority, the private sector or promoter of a development. Simulating the real-life speed and pressure of an inquiry environment, the course provides all the key background knowledge and skills support to help delegates formulate and articulate their arguments. The course is equally applicable to those preparing to appear at an inquiry or at an appeal, and will also give core skills to those who will be involved in LDF/policy or roundtable-style hearings. This event is based around a mock inquiry scenario with a case study concerning a major urban extension. On Day 1, participants will learn about the principal figures involved in an inquiry, the planning and inquiry processes and be introduced to the case study for the mock inquiry. Day 2 will focus on the production of evidence and preparation for cross-examination, and Day 3 will be given over to the mock inquiry itself. Participants will also receive an individual evaluation of their performance after the inquiry from the course supervisor. This course is offered on an in-house basis and can be broken down according to client requirements.

Target audience:

This course is designed for all practitioners who may need to give expert witness evidence and those preparing to appear at an inquiry or appeal.