The Conduct of the Investigation

The Terms of Reference for the Investigation were established and a protocol for the Investigation Committee to gather evidence was agreed at the initial meetings of the Committee. Organisations or key individuals provided evidence or expert information. The Investigation also considered any lessons to be learned from the practice of the devolved administrations, and relevant evidence from public authorities in other countries.

Relevant organisations involved in the outbreak were invited to specific meetings of the Investigation Committee and their representatives were briefed by the scientific secretariat. In some cases, the presenters provided supplementary documentation for the Committee. Notes from the meetings were agreed with the presenters for factual accuracy. The notes included a summary, the key messages and the points discussed with the Committee. The Committee also visited Godstone Farm Park and two other Open Farms. In addition, Professor Griffin, one member of the Committee, and the scientific secretariat heard the views and concerns of the families affected by the outbreak. Each meeting was noted and these notes anonymised and then checked with the individual family for factual accuracy. Interim recommendations were provided to the Health Protection Agency in March 2010 and the draft Report of the Investigation together with recommendations was presented to the HPA Board on 26 May 2010.