Procurement Module of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry officially opens

Module 5 will assess the robustness and effectiveness of procurement processes, the adequacy of items obtained (including their specification, quality, and volume) and the effectiveness of their distribution. It will also consider the UK-wide procurement of lateral flow and PCR tests.

The provisional scope for this module lists three key areas of investigation. In summary these are: 

• The existence and effectiveness of processes, procedures and/or contractual provisions in place for the procurement and distribution of key healthcare equipment and supplies to the end-user prior to and during the pandemic; 
• The procurement of key healthcare equipment and supplies to the end user in the period leading up to and during the pandemic. This will include the existence and effectiveness of procedures, processes, and communication between the relevant bodies of the four nations in relation to procurement and the use of mutual aid arrangements during the pandemic; and 
• The operation and effectiveness of any regulatory regimes and/or oversight (either by the procuring authority or end user) in relation to key medical equipment or supplies during the pandemic.  

Applications for CP status will close on 17 November 2023 and should be made in accordance with the CP Protocol. The benefits of CP status include receiving document disclosure, being represented throughout proceedings, having the ability to make legal submissions, suggesting questions to be asked of witnesses, and receiving advance notice of the Inquiry’s conclusions.  

As a reminder, the Inquiry received 75 applications for CP status in relation to Module 2, of which 39 were approved. If you are considering taking part in Module 5 of the Inquiry, you should decide if you wish to make an application as soon as possible. 

Shoosmiths can support and represent you at all stages- whether as a party or a witness. The Shoosmiths Inquests and Inquiries team has significant experience of acting in several high-profile Inquiries and Inquests, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the Croydon tram crash Inquest and the Manchester Arena Inquiry.