Designed specifically for homecare providers, the session provides practical strategies to support staff, strengthen organisational readiness, and ensure providers present clear, accurate and confident evidence when called upon by a coroner.
This webinar will cover the full cycle of an inquest, from initial requests for information, to preparing witness and overview statements, to giving evidence in court. It will also examine the potential consequences of an inquest, including regulatory scrutiny, reputational exposure, and the issuing of Reports to Prevent Future Deaths (PFDs), helping providers understand how to respond constructively and demonstrate lessons learned.
By attending the session, you will:
1. Understand the purpose and scope of an inquest
- What an inquest is and importantly what it is not
- The four statutory questions a coroner must answer
- Why inquests take place and when they are mandatory
2. Know how and why providers become involved
- How coroners gather evidence from care providers
- How to manage requests safely and avoid common pitfalls
- How interested person (IP) status is granted and what it means
3. Prepare strong written evidence
- How to write clear, factual and helpful witness statements
- How to structure an overview statement that assists the coroner and clearly outlines the involvement of the care provider
- What to include (and avoid) to reduce risk and support accurate findings
4. Understand the hearing process
- What hearings look like and what to expect on the day
- The role of the coroner, family members and legal representatives
- How to prepare and support staff giving oral evidence
- Practical tips for answering questions clearly and confidently
5. Navigate outcomes and organisational risk
- The types of conclusions coroners may reach
- What a Report to Prevent Future Deaths (PFD) is
- How PFDs are published and how they may prompt action from regulators such as the CQC
- How to demonstrate learning, reduce future risk and protect reputation
6. Build an organisational culture that is inquest‑ready
- How to improve internal processes around record‑keeping and incident response
- How to support staff throughout the inquest journey
- How themes emerging from inquests can strengthen quality and governance
- How becoming a reflective, learning organisation reduces risk exposure
Meet the Speakers
Tim Coolican - Partner - Anthony Collins Solicitors
Nationally recognised in his field, Tim leads the work of the Health and Social Care sector team and specialises in regulatory compliance. Praised in Legal 500 for his ‘calm approach under pressure, which is appreciated by his clients’, Tim acts for organisations and individuals in the health and social care, social housing, and charities sectors.
His work includes supporting care providers in preparing for CQC assessments and in challenging unfair ratings. He also represents clients facing CQC enforcement action. Tim acts for clients across all sectors in inquest proceedings, public inquiries, safeguarding investigations and criminal investigations and prosecutions by the police and other regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive.
Tim values being part of a social purpose law firm; supporting clients in ways that can help to change society for the better. Whilst his work typically involves advising on complicated and challenging issues, he and the regulatory team are often able to support clients to implement positive changes and reassure stakeholders.
Freya Cassia - Associate - Anthony Collins Solicitors
Recognised for her expertise in the health and social care sector, Freya specialises in regulatory compliance and complex investigations. Praised for her clear, composed approach, she works closely with care providers to navigate CQC requirements, prepare for assessments, and challenge inaccurate ratings.
Freya also has significant experience supporting organisations facing CQC enforcement action. Her work includes representing clients in inquests, safeguarding inquiries and multi‑agency investigations, with a particular focus on matters arising within care settings. Freya supports providers in delivering safe, high‑quality services and implementing positive, lasting change even in the most challenging circumstances.