The Inquiries Act 2005 is the UK legislation that provides the statutory framework for establishing and conducting formal public inquiries.
It sets out how an inquiry may be established by a Minister, defines the powers and duties of the inquiry chair, and provides mechanisms for obtaining evidence, including the power under Section 21 to require people to give evidence or produce documents and other material.
The Act also governs matters such as the conduct of proceedings, disclosure and publication of evidence, reports and recommendations, and the circumstances in which an inquiry may be suspended or terminated.
This timeline traces the development of Scotland’s distinct educational institutions and the gradual expansion of Scottish governmental responsibility and oversight, culminating in the contemporary system of inspection and regulation of independent boarding schools.
