Short course
Public Inquiry Workshop
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
30/11/2026 - 02/12/2026
Study format:
Short intensive
Fees:
£730.00
This course will take the form of a practical workshop carefully designed to improve the performance of anyone who might be called upon to participate in a Public Inquiry concerned with the historic environment. The aims will be to present the terms of procedure, the roles of the participants and the general feel of a Public Inquiry.
A mock Public Inquiry will be mounted using a genuine case study. Training for potential witnesses will be given in how to prepare evidence for a Public Inquiry, how to produce proofs of evidence and to experience them being given and tested under realistic conditions.
Before the course, you will receive a study pack including a guide to the preparation of evidence. You will be allocated a role to play in the Inquiry and asked to prepare a proof of evidence to fit this role. You will be asked to indicate your area of interest or expertise in advance of the course so that roles can be appropriately assigned.
The Inquiry will be video recorded to allow an analysis and feedback to be given on the final day.
Please note that the Monday evening session may extend beyond 9.00pm, so we recommend that all participants book a residential place or arrange accommodation in/near Oxford.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
MONDAY
12.30pm- Registration
1.00pm- Introduction
1.15pm- Background
3.00pm- Coffee/Tea
3.15pm- Case preparation
6.30pm- Break
7.00pm- Dinner
8.15pm- Case consultation
TUESDAY
8.00am- Breakfast (residents only)
9.30am- The Public Inquiry (practical session)
11.00am- Coffee/Tea
11.30am- The Public Inquiry (continued)
1.00pm- Lunch
2.00pm- The Public Inquiry (continued)
3.30pm- Coffee/Tea
3.45pm- The Public Inquiry (continued)
5.00pm- Break
7.00pm- Dinner
8.15pm- Informal discussion
WEDNESDAY
8.00am- Breakfast (residents only)
9.00am- Video presentation
10.30am- Coffee/Tea
11.00am- Analysis
1.00pm- Lunch
2.00pm- Course disperses
Accomodation
Please enquire at the time of booking for availability and prices with Continuing Education Residential Centre res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk, +44 (0)1865 270362,
Please do quote the course name as a reference at the time of booking.
All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms.
Mr Roger Thomas – Barrister and Archaeologist
Roger Thomas is an archaeologist who spent most of his career working for English Heritage (now Historic England). He is now an Honorary Research Associate in the School of Archaeology, University of Oxford. He is also a barrister. He teaches regularly for the Department for Continuing Education.
Mark O'Brien O'Reilly
Mr Chris Welch
Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic England
Digital Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Tuition includes coffee/tea | £730.00 |
| Dinner Monday – 3 courses | £33.10 |
| Dinner Tuesday – 3 courses | £33.10 |
| Hot Lunch Tuesday | £22.40 |
| Hot Lunch Wednesday | £22.40 |
| Single Standard room with Breakfast (Mon & Tue Nights) | £256.00 |
Payment
Payment of fees must be made in full at the time of booking. Please note that businesses and organisations can be invoiced on provision of a Purchase Order and completed application form. These can be emailed to the Programme Administrator, email: cultural.heritage@conted.ox.ac.uk