Simulated Inquiry

The simulated Public Inquiry on the last day of the course is the most realistic preparation possible for an actual Inquiry. Interactions and guided preparation in the weeks before the course, and the first two modules, build towards the exercise, which is held in 'for real' conditions before a current Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate. Roles are allocated to all participants (e.g. Case Officer, Advocate, Witness 1), and a genuine case is used.

The Inquiry is virtual, providing everyone with an authentic experience of preparing for and participating in an Inquiry, to practise among supportive colleagues and coaches, without the pressure of a scheduled Inquiry. Comments from previous participants (below) is full of superlatives and they have said that they could not have performed as well at an Inquiry without the simulation exercise. It is invaluable to practise in a 'for real' environment but without the pressure of a real case outcome. All have found it very beneficial in improving skills whatever their level of experience.

The roles include advocacy and being the opposition. The role of an advocate is valuable in building a case and spotting weaknesses, and previous participants in this role have subsequently acted as advocate in their authority's cases, or as a consultant. Acting for the opposition is just as useful as being the council's witness because preparation for and responding to cross-examination are the same, and making the case in opposition often shows holes in any council's assumptions (and, of course, the council does not always act in support of an order!).

The course uses a modification order for the simulated Inquiry but the principles are the same for public path orders so the course is equally applicable for officers processing public path orders only.

The case for the Inquiry will be circulated as soon as the course has reached minimum number of bookings. Roles will be allocated and explained by [date TBC]. When booking, please ensure you will have time to understand the case, just as you would a real case you were taking forward, and to prepare your proof of evidence between [dates TBC].

The course is limited to twelve participants, all of whom will take part in the Inquiry at some level. Major and minor roles will be allocated at the discretion of the organiser.

Note Preparation time required below.

Main topics

• Preparing a case for Inquiry
• Dividing and managing the workload
• The roles of advocate and expert witness
• Using witnesses of fact
• Evidence in chief and cross-examination
• Inquiry rules, pre-inquiry meetings, costs applications

Learning outcomes

• Understanding of the process of an opposed order at Inquiry and its timeline
• Recognition of resources and support needed
• Familiarity with the Inquiry environment
• Experience of cross-examination and tips on performance

Preparation time required

The course will be two half days followed by a full day for the simulated Inquiry. Participants will require several hours for preparation between [dates TBC], and for tasks on day 1 and 2, so participants should consider the course as 4 full days plus at least two preparation days spread over the previous few weeks. Some previous participants have found they needed more time in advance of the course depending on their speed of reading and assimilation of a case, level of experience and their role.

Level

Intermediate. The course is designed for council officers with knowledge of an opposed order, approaching their first Inquiry or wishing to improve their skills at Inquiry and may include officers with responsibility for modification or public path orders, solicitors and legal executives. Participants must be comfortable with producing a Proof of Evidence, either through experience or attendance on the Opposed Orders course. Participants seeking experience as an Advocate are welcome.

Trainers

Rosalinde Emrys-Roberts, consultant
Richard Cuthbert, Definitive Map and Enforcement Team Leader, Hertfordshire County Council

Cost

Members £393, non-members £523 (+VAT)

Comments from previous participants

What 2024’s participants thought of the course:

I hadn’t signed up for the course previously because I thought it could be a daunting experience undertaking the simulation, but it has been very much worth it and I would highly recommend it as a fantastic course. I now feel confident that I understand the process involved in a Public Inquiry and what to expect on the day. The support throughout the course is superb and I have grown in confidence and understanding immensely as an outcome, and now feel far more at ease at the thought of speaking at an Inquiry.

This was a superb course. The tuition beforehand was excellent. It covered so many aspects of the Inquiry process and the final day Inquiry with the Inspectors was amazingly useful. Having already been to a Public Inquiry, I can safely say that the simulation is not a pale imitation of the real thing, it feels just the same. My experience of role play on training courses has been tacked on to the end of a course and is achingly cringeworthy because you are expected to throw yourself into something with people who are complete strangers. The beauty of this course is that the whole thing builds up to the simulation over weeks. Everything is in service of that last day. We had time to establish connections, get to know the members of our team and gain trust with them that they aren't going to laugh at you if you mess things up. For someone who has never experienced an Inquiry this course will be an eye-opening experience and mean they are so much better prepared for the real thing. I particularly relished the opportunity to act as Advocate, which has greatly increased my confidence and I am now looking to take on advocacy for our future orders.

The whole course has been brilliant from start to finish. Nothing felt simulated or pretend, and as far as I was concerned, the culmination of the Inquiry was ‘real life’, especially as it was in front of a current Inspector. Each stage of the course flowed well to the next, and the practice cross-examination was excellent preparation for today. And gave me the confidence that yes, I can do it. The individual feedback given on my performance is invaluable too. I will most definitely be recommending the course to my colleagues, it has been the most beneficial training course I have ever attended. Also really appreciated the opportunity to listen to the advice from two practising PINS Inspectors.

There is a lot of preparation required which I initially thought was too much. On reflection though guess what, that is one of the key lessons from the course, which was epic! At times intense but Inquiries are, so it was reflective of real life.

The simulation, although nerve-wracking, was actually THE best time I have had while doing an IPROW course, and I have done plenty! The Public Inquiry course is the closest thing you will get to a real life Inquiry but with friendly colleagues. I would highly recommend this course and the authenticity is extraordinary. Such an educational and emotional journey. I took on a role way outside my experience and had huge doubts that the trainers’ faith in me was grossly misplaced, but I acquitted myself well in those circumstances and the ‘Wow, I did it!’ was an immense boost.

Invaluable practice at presenting evidence and being cross examined. It took quite a lot of prep time and it took me out of my comfort zone, but I gained a huge amount and will feel much more confident at a representing my council at an Inquiry as a result.

It was an extremely beneficial course, taking every participant to the heart of preparing for and undertaking Public Inquiries for Definitive Map Modifications and Public Path Orders and was an excellent example of IPROW bringing together public rights of way professionals to share knowledge and experience with peers while being coached through the vital elements leading up to, and during, a Public Inquiry. I now have more confidence to undertake the necessary steps leading up to and during the Public Inquiry process. Insert a great long list of preferred superlatives. Or simply put, an excellent and worthwhile course. Thank you.

At my first Public Inquiry after the course, I had a bit of a curveball when being cross-examined and the training kicked in and I was able to remain calm as I fielded the questions. I also remembered you both saying ‘Don’t let them ask you a statement – if they ask you a statement, ask them what the question is’. I did this a couple of times, and my manager said it was very effective and made me seem very calm and in control.  Afterwards, I received really positive feedback from my colleagues, members of the public and the (highly qualified and experienced!) applicant. When I admitted that it was my first Inquiry they were really surprised! I credited IPROW’s course 😊.

Software

Microsoft Teams is the software used for training which is available to anyone. Using the app is strongly recommended for full functionality as the web browser version may be missing some facilities, although full participation should be possible, use of some apps within Teams may be limited by participating organisation's protocols.

Recording

See Event recording. The event will not be recorded.

Terms and Conditions

See Event booking terms.