November Newsletter

This update provides a digest of:

• Module 2 hearings
• Inquiry Panel
• Continuation of limited attendance hearings
• Disclosure figures
• Core Participant numbers
• Support arrangements during limited attendance hearings
• Contact information
• Drop-in sessions

Module 2 hearings

Module 2, which is looking at the cladding and insulation products used in the main refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, is now underway. A full list of the Modules the Inquiry will hear evidence on in Phase 2 can be found here.

Inquiry Panel

Panel Member Ali Akbor has now joined the Inquiry Panel. You can find the exchange of letters between the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Inquiry, which contain further information about the appointment, here.

Continuation of limited attendance hearing arrangements

From Wednesday 2 December, London will be subject to Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions. The Inquiry premises are a workplace with stringent measures in place to protect all attendees. Inquiry hearings will continue on a limited attendance basis, and the Inquiry team will work with the Government Property Agency to monitor government guidance closely.

Allowing BSRs to attend the hearings in person remains a priority, and the Inquiry intends to put its plan for this in place as soon as possible.

Disclosure figures

As at 27 November 2020, the Inquiry has disclosed 20,752 documents in Phase 1 and 191,031 in Phase 2, making a total of 211,603.

Core Participants

The full list of the Inquiry's core participants (CPs) is available on the key documents page. Further information on CPs is covered in our guide, which includes details of the role they play in the Inquiry and how this differs from being a witness.

Individuals

719 individuals have applied for CP status, of which 633 have been granted.

Organisations

83 organisations have applied for CP status, of which 39 have been granted.

Support arrangements during limited attendance hearings

During limited attendance hearings the Inquiry continues to facilitate wellbeing support as before, but it will be able to deliver the service only by telephone and video conferencing. BSRs and members of the public will be able to get in touch with Hestia directly to access wellbeing services by contacting 0800 246 5617 between 09:45 and 16:45 Monday to Thursday.

Hestia will provide a range of services including:

• One-to-one telephone or online support sessions that BSRs will be able to book with a counsellor during the day or at the end of the day’s hearings. Please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.
• Drop-in video conference group sessions (twice daily) where BSRs can join a counsellor in a peer support group to support one another and to air and talk through any feelings or concerns. These sessions will start and finish with some resilience exercises, for example paced breathing, grounding and mindfulness exercises and taught resilience tools. For more information and instructions for joining a group session please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.

Counselling support services continue to be available for anyone who wants to talk about their emotional wellbeing. The NHS Grenfell Outreach Team is open Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 20:00, and on Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Their number is 0208 637 6279. More information, including out of hours contact, can be found on the NHS website.

The Inquiry will continue to arrange interpreters on request for BSRs. This service will be delivered by telephone.

Contact information 

In line with social restrictions, all Inquiry team members are working remotely to ensure operations continue, but can still be contacted on 0800 121 4282 or by emailing [email protected].

Drop-in sessions

In accordance with current guidance on public gatherings, the Inquiry is not currently holding drop-in events, but you can continue to contact the Inquiry team by phone or email using the details set out above.