What families want is effective change so others don’t die because of the same failings. The involvement and support of INQUEST brings all this together. I have a lifelong loyalty to INQUEST. They provide you with support you just can’t get from anywhere else.

- Bereaved brother

We provide free and independent advice on the inquest process and related investigations following a death in state detention or care in England and Wales, and in some other cases where the conduct of the state or corporate bodies are in question.    

We are entirely independent of the government and do not take government funding. This enables us to offer unbiased advice. This is also essential in our work to drive systemic change in legislation, policy and practice to prevent future deaths.  

OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE 

From 4 November 2023, following a reduction in our capacity and funding, and the high demand on our service, we are only able to assist if the death falls into one of the below circumstances: 

·         in prison (including Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres) 

·         in police custody or following recent police contact 

·         in immigration detention 

·         in mental health facilities as either a voluntary or detained inpatient 

·         and deaths of individuals with a learning disability and/or autism in a state funded care setting.  

 

Where the death appears to be from a natural cause in a detention setting, we will only be able to assist in exceptional circumstances and dependent on our capacity at the time.  

We are not able to advise on matters relating to medical malpractice. We suggest contacting Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) or seeking other sources of support.  

WHAT WE OFFER 

As part of our specialist casework service, we provide expert advice and assistance on all aspects of post death investigation and inquest processes including the rights of bereaved people. Practical examples of assistance include helping families navigate the legal processes, exploring options for legal representation and funding, and work with families to engage meaningfully in the investigation and inquest.    

We are non-judgemental in relation to the background or actions of an individual who has died. Read more about INQUEST, our values and our impact.  

Please note we are a small team and the level of assistance we can provide is dependent on our capacity at the time. 

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CONTACT US

 

If you have an existing case with INQUEST, please contact your caseworker directly.    

 

Please read the areas of our work above before contacting the casework service.  

If your query falls within our remit you can contact us in the following ways:  

 

1. COMPLETE OUR HELP AND ADVICE FORM or  

2. CALL US: 020 7263 1111  

·         option 1 for new enquiries advice line open Tuesday and Thursday only (from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm)

·         option 2 if you have already opened a case with INQUEST

Please include all upcoming urgent dates such as inquest hearings or post-mortem and the date of death in all correspondence.

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CASES OUTSIDE OF OUR CRITERIA 

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources or capacity to provide a casework service for deaths that do not fall within our expertise and case criteria, as set out above.

However, we can: 

• where applicable, signpost you to other specialist organisations or lawyers who may be able to assist. Also see other sources of support.  
• provide information via our frequently asked question Factsheets.
• provide a free copy of the INQUEST handbook online. The INQUEST handbook is a free and trusted guide for bereaved families and friends affected by a sudden death that involves an inquest. Visit the useful resources page for further information.