October 2021 Newsletter

This update contains:

• Revised provisional timetable
• Arrangements for Module 6
• Monthly community drop-in sessions
• Disclosure figures
• Core Participant figures
• Support arrangements during hearings
• Contact information

Revised provisional timetable

The provisional timetable for Phase 2 investigations has been updated. This can be found here.

Arrangements for Module 6

Module 6 will continue to examine issues relating to firefighting and fire risk assessment. It will also examine in further detail a number of aspects of the regime for the testing, certification and classification of materials for use in external cladding systems. Finally, the Inquiry will examine the role of Central Government in the years preceding the fire.

Thus, Module 6 will be structured in the following manner:

• Firefighting;
• Testing and certification;
• Fire risk assessment; and
• The role of central Government.

Opening statements related to firefighting commence this week.

Further opening statements in relation to testing and certification, fire risk assessment and the role of government will be held later in the module. It is currently expected that this will occur no earlier than the first week of December 2021.

A fact sheet containing further information on the scope of Module 6 can be found here.

Monthly community drop-in sessions

The next monthly drop-in session for BSRs and members of the public will be on Thursday 25 November from 16:30-18:00 at the Inquiry venue. These sessions are an opportunity for members of the local community to learn more about the Inquiry process and to ask any questions that they may have for members of the Inquiry team.

Further dates include:

• Thursday 27 January, 16:30-18:00, Grenfell Tower Inquiry, 13 Bishop’s Bridge Road, London, W2 6BU
• Thursday 24 February, 16:00-17:30, Bay 20, 71 St Marks Rd, London W10 6JG.
• Thursday 28 April, 16:30-18:00, Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

As before, it is not necessary to book in advance to attend. We would ask all attendees to observe social distancing.

Disclosure figures

 By 21 October 2021, the Inquiry had disclosed 20,752 documents in Phase 1 and 274,521 in Phase 2, making a total of 295,274. 

Core Participant figures

The full list of the Inquiry's core participants (CPs) is available on the Key Documents page. Further information on CPs is covered in our guide, which includes details of the role they play in the Inquiry and how this differs from being a witness.

The total number of CPs is 642.

Arrangements for support during hearings

 BSRs and members of the public will be able to get in touch with Hestia directly to access wellbeing services by contacting 0800 246 5617 between 09:45 and 16:45 Monday to Thursday. Hestia will provide a range of services including:

• One-to-one telephone or online support sessions that BSRs will be able to book with a counsellor during the day or at the end of the day’s hearings. Please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.
• Drop-in video conference group sessions (twice daily) where BSRs can join a counsellor in a peer group to support one another and to air and talk through any feelings or concerns. These sessions will start and finish with some resilience exercises, for example paced breathing, grounding and mindfulness exercises and taught resilience tools. For more information and instructions for joining a group session please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.

Counselling support services continue to be available for anyone who wants to talk about their emotional wellbeing. The NHS Grenfell Outreach Team is available Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Friday from 08:00 to 17:00. Their number is 0208 637 6279. More information, including out of hours contact numbers, can be found on the NHS website.

Contact information

The Inquiry team can be contacted by telephone on 0800 121 4282 or by email at contact@grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk.