INQUEST

Who we are

“INQUEST is an organisation that shines a light into the state’s darkest corners, often on behalf of society’s most vulnerable people." - The Guardian

INQUEST is the only charity combining specialist support for bereaved people following a state related death, with the influence to achieve change in legislation, policy and practice. For over 35 years we have been the driving force behind improvements in the investigation and inquest process and the support offered to bereaved people.

Our specialist casework includes death in prison and police custody, immigration detention, mental health settings and deaths involving multi-agency failings or where wider issues of state and corporate accountability are in question.

Founded in 1981, we campaign alongside families and others to access the truth, hold those responsible to account and effect meaningful change to prevent future deaths.
INQUEST provides expertise on contentious deaths and their investigation to bereaved people, lawyers, advice and support agencies, the media, parliamentarians and policy makers.

“I would like to express my thanks for the work INQUEST does so valiantly on behalf of bereaved families. If you were not present, there would be such a gap in the process that you would have to be created.” – Peter Thornton, Chief Coroner (2012-2016)