The Hetherington Inquiry would like to thank all of those who have provided written statements in response to the Inquiry's invitation to provide evidence.  The Inquiry is very much better informed as a result. 

It has, however, come to the Inquiry's attention that a number of individuals who are in a position to contribute important evidence may be reluctant to do so for fear that their evidence be used against them (or indeed others) in relation to possible student or staff disciplinary procedures. 

In this regard, the University has confirmed to the Inquiry that it will not seek to obtain copies of any written statements or other evidence provided to the Inquiry and, that, in any event, it will not use any written statement provided to the Inquiry in any disciplinary or other University process without the prior written consent of the person making that statement. 

The Inquiry, for its part, can confirm that evidence given to it will not be shared with the University.

In addition, having considered the matter carefully, the Inquiry wishes to confirm that any evidence referred to in its Final Report will not be attributed to any individual by name.  It remains the Inquiry's intention to attach to its Final Report a list of all individuals and organisations that have assisted with the Inquiry by providing evidence to it.  In addition to acknowledging and thanking those have taken the time to submit evidence, it is believed that the conclusions reached in the  Final Report will carry more weight if the Inquiry can demonstrate that it has received and considered evidence from a broad spectrum of sources who have relevant knowledge of the facts.

First published: 17 May 2011

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