Introdcution – What is Interested Person Status?
Interested Person (usually abbreviated to “IP”) status is a formal designation under section 47(2) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, giving individuals specific rights to participate in an inquest.
The Chief Coroner’s Revised Guidance – Chapter 2 explains that an Interested Person is someone whom the Coroner recognises as having a sufficient interest in the investigation. Those who are designated as IPs have rights during the investigation and inquest, including notification of dates and times of hearings and access to relevant documents provided by the Coroner.
IPs are primarily family members of the deceased, though the Coroner may also grant status to those whose actions may have contributed to the death, or who were otherwise involved.
The purpose is to ensure that those most affected can participate meaningfully while preserving the investigatory focus of the inquest.
For an overview of the inquest process, see About Inquests.
Who Can Apply for Interested Person Status?
Family members have a presumptive right to IP status, including:
- Spouses or civil partners
- Children or step-children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Note some family members do not have an automatic right to being IPs and will have to ask the Coroner to be added as IP
The guidance confirms that the Coroner may consider applications from other relatives if they can demonstrate sufficient interest. Applications should be assessed objectively. The Coroner must balance the need for family participation with the smooth running of the inquest.
In R v HM Coroner for South London ex p Driscoll (1995) 159 JP 45, Kennedy LJ made it clear that the term “interested” should not be narrowly construed, although having “idle curiosity” was not sufficient:
The coroner is conducting an inquest, which as its name suggests is not adversarial, but it is a public inquiry and there is a public interest in not shutting out anyone who would seem to have a proper interest…… What must be shown is that the person has a genuine desire to participate more than by the mere giving of relevant evidence in the determination of how, when and where the deceased came by his death. He or she may well have a view he wants to put to the witnesses, but there is no harm in that. Properly controlled it should assist inquisitorial function.
How to Apply and What to Expect
Applications should be made as early as possible before the inquest. Standard practice includes:
- Submitting a written application (a letter or email stating the purpse clearly is usually sufficient) to the Coroner, detailing the applicant’s relationship to the deceased and reasons for participation.
- Indicating whether legal representation will be used.
- Indicating whether online or in-person attendance is anticipated.
- The offer to provide further information.
Even if IP status is not formally granted, the Coroner has discretion to allow participation, particularly for immediate family members. For example, survivors of the 7/7 London Bombings were permitted by Hallett LJ to make submissions at the victims’ inquests despite refusing to recognise those survivors as having IP status.
For practical guidance on inquest preparation, see Inquest Services.
Rights and Responsibilities of Interested Persons
Once granted, IPs enjoy rights including:
- Access to relevant documents in advance
- The ability to ask questions of witnesses
- Making submissions to the Coroner on points of law
- Providing guidance on the Coroner’s potential conclusions
IPs also have responsibilities:
- To participate constructively and focus on relevant issues
- To avoid speculative questioning outside the scope of the inquest
- To respect the sensitive nature of the proceedings
Practical Advice for Families
- Apply early: Prepare your written application with supporting information.
- Seek advice: Consider contacting a Barrister experienced in inquests to guide you through the process.
- Know your rights: Carefully review Chief Coroner guidance and the Bench Book to understand what IP status entitles you to.
- Prepare evidence and questions: Focus on issues relevant to the Coroner’s inquiry that are within scope, particularly around risks of future deaths or contributory factors.
Being an Interested Person can be empowering, allowing families to ensure their voice is heard throughout the inquest process.
Conclusion & How I Can Help
If you are seeking Interested Person status or want guidance on participation at an inquest, I can help you:
- Prepare and submit applications
- Advise on your rights and responsibilities as an IP
- Assist with legal submissions and evidence review
- Support you through the inquest process to ensure your voice is fully represented
Contact me to discuss your inquest needs and find out how I can assist you and your family.