Our expertise includes the design and delivery of psychologically informed support systems within highly scrutinised inquiry environments. This includes commissioned work for NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, delivering the Family Psychological Support Service for individuals and families involved with the Ockenden Maternity Review, and for the Office of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, delivering the Nottingham Response Service for those affected by the Valdo Calocane incident, alongside ongoing support throughout the Nottingham Inquiry.
We provide specialist psychological support to individuals, families, and groups directly affected by the events under review.
Our work is grounded in compassionate, trauma-informed practice and is carefully designed around the specific context, pace, and sensitivities of each inquiry. It is not uncommon within a inquiry for new information to emerge as part of the process or due to media coverage of the events. This can impact those affected, requiring a support and treatment process that can respond to emerging details and changing timescales.
Inquiry teams and review panels are frequently exposed to distressing material and emotionally intense interactions, while carrying responsibility for accurate, fair, and timely decision-making.
Without appropriate psychological support, this can place significant strain on individuals and on the effectiveness of the inquiry itself.
We provide tailored psychological support to inquiry teams, helping members manage exposure to trauma-related material, navigate high levels of expressed emotion, and maintain professional resilience throughout the inquiry lifecycle.
In addition, we deliver bespoke trauma-informed training focused on communication, engagement, and psychologically safe practice. This training equips inquiry teams to communicate clearly and compassionately, manage challenging interactions, and minimise the risk of unintended harm. It also supports efficient inquiry progression by reducing delays, complaints, and the likelihood of legal challenge arising from poorly handled engagement or communication.
We can also offer specialist psychological consultancy on inquiry design and process, supporting commissioners and chairs to ensure that inquiry structures, timelines, and engagement approaches are both psychologically informed and operationally effective.
Staff and professional groups involved in inquiries may be required to provide witness statements, attend interviews or hearings, and continue performing complex roles under heightened scrutiny.
This can create significant stress, anxiety, and emotional burden, with potential implications for wellbeing, performance, and organisational stability.
We provide specialist psychological support to staff at all levels, offering preparation for engagement with the inquiry, emotional support throughout the process, and intervention where stress contributes to emerging or exacerbated mental health difficulties.
Our work acknowledges that stress is a normal response in these circumstances, while addressing the clinical risks associated with sustained pressure, moral injury, and fear of professional consequences. Support may include pre- and post-hearing input, trauma-informed treatment, guidance to support effective decision-making, and interventions aimed at maintaining team trust and cohesion.
We also deliver trauma-informed communication training for professional groups working under review, helping individuals and teams engage confidently and appropriately with inquiry processes while minimising disruption to organisational functioning and retaining experienced staff.
Psychological assessment, stabilisation, and treatment
Ongoing support for individuals, families, and affected groups
Preparation for and support during inquiry hearings, interviews, and key milestones
On-site psychological presence at inquiry-related events to support emotional containment and safety
Specialist support for inquiry teams exposed to distressing material
Trauma-informed communication training for inquiry teams and professional groups
Psychological advice on inquiry design, process, and engagement
Support for staff wellbeing, performance, and retention during reviews
Pre- and post-inquiry support to promote recovery and organisational stability
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