Who do the Independent Panel need to hear from?
The Independent Panel is primarily focused on hearing from:
Any person who has been directly impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 - 1995.
Any person who has been directly impacted by the pathways and practices related to one of these institutions. Click here for further information on pathways and practices.
Any family member of a person who has been directly impacted, and;
Any person who has worked, volunteered in, or lived in close proximity to the institutions who can share any relevant information, knowledge or memories about their practices.
While priority will be given to testimonies directly connected to the institutions, the Independent Panel also recognises the importance of hearing from individuals who experienced coerced family separation outside of an institutional setting. If you think your experience may be relevant to the Panel, please contact the testimony team who will be happy to discuss this with you.
I Am Not Sure if I Want to Share My Testimony. Is There Someone I Can Talk This Over With?
Yes. You can email the Testimony Team at testimony@independentpanel.org.uk
Alternatively, you may prefer to call and speak with a member of the Team on 028 9052 0263 (open Monday – Friday, 11am - 12pm and 3pm - 4pm or leave a voicemail on our secure answering service any time outside of these hours.)
If you would like further information, we can also arrange for one of our Testimony Facilitators to call you and talk you through the process in detail.
If I Have Already Given Testimony for Use in the QUB/UU Research, Will I Need to Give Testimony Again?
No. A range of options are available including use of existing testimony, updates to existing testimony or the option to give testimony again should you wish to do so.
Will I Be Offered Support When Giving My Testimony?
Yes. Support will be available before, during and after you share your testimony through the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS). Click here for further information.
Where Can I Share My Testimony?
You have the choice to give your testimony:
In-person - in our dedicated office in Belfast, at a WAVE Trauma office, a hotel or in your own home.
Or
Online - you can share your testimony remotely with us via Zoom.
Or
In writing - you may prefer to provide your testimony in written form. Click here to read our Guide on Written Testimony.
If you need any assistance or more information about how to share your testimony, we are here to help you.
Who Will Facilitate My Testimony Session?
The testimony sessions will be facilitated by a person who has been appointed and trained by the Independent Panel or by one of the Panel Members – either Sean O’Connell or Beverley Clarke.
What Type of Questions Will a Testimony Facilitator Ask When Taking My Testimony?
The testimony session will be semi-structured to help you to share your testimony. We want to ensure that all the information you want to share has been captured.
The testimony session will be as informal and relaxed as possible. We will give you the option of how you want to give testimony. Some people prefer to prepare detailed notes to refer to while others prefer us to ask questions.
I Have Not Been Able to Get Any of My Records. Can I Still Give My Testimony?
Yes. You can still give your testimony.
We would like to hear about your experience trying to find your records and how this has been for you.
You may find our Access to Records Guidance helpful to assist you. Click here to view our Access to Records Guidance online.
Will I Be Able to Choose the Gender of the Person Taking My Testimony?
Yes. Please tell us your preference for a female or male facilitator and we will accommodate your request.
Can I Bring Someone to Support Me When I Go to Share My Testimony?
Yes. You are welcome to bring someone with you to support you.
This could be a relative, friend or a someone else you feel comfortable with. The person you decide to bring with you will be there to support you and not as an active participant in the testimony session. We can also arrange for a caseworker from WAVE to support you during the testimony session.
Can I Share My Testimony if I Live Overseas?
Yes. You can share your testimony online via Zoom at a time that is convenient for you.
Alternatively, you may wish to share your testimony in writing. Please have a read through the Guide to Written Testimony on our website by clicking here.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we will talk you through the process.
Can I Share Testimony on Behalf of a Family Member Who Is Deceased?
Yes. You can share testimony on behalf of a loved one who is deceased.
Will I Get a Copy of What I Have Said in My Testimony Session?
Yes. If you wish to protect your identity, we will redact all personal information such as your name, date of birth, address and other details that may reveal your identity. We commit to ensuring that your anonymity is protected if you wish to protect your identity.
You will receive a redacted copy of your transcript which means that we will remove any information about other people you refer to in your testimony. This could be a person’s name, address, date of birth or any information that would make the person known or be recognisable.
You will also receive an unredacted version of your transcript and this document will include all commentary / information you shared in your testimony session. Click here to visit the Quote website where you can see what your transcript will be similar to.
What Happens if I Am Not Happy When I Read My Transcript From My Testimony Session?
If you have any concerns at all, you can contact your testimony facilitator who will try to resolve any issues you have.
Will My Testimony Be Published on the Independent Panel’s Website?
Testimonies will only be published on the Independent Panel’s website if the person has given their consent. This consent can be withdrawn at any time should you change your mind.
Can I Use My Testimony in the Public Inquiry?
The Independent Panel cannot comment on whether the Public Inquiry will wish to use the testimony you have provided to the Independent Panel as that is a matter for the future Chair of the Public Inquiry.
When Do I Need to Share by Testimony With the Independent Panel?
The final date to register to provide your testimony to the Independent Panel is Thursday 1 May 2025.
What Role Does the Independent Panel Have In the Redress Scheme?
The Independent Panel is completely separate from the Redress Service. The Independent Panel does not have any role or function regarding any future Redress Scheme.
Will the Panel Be Looking At Archival Records?
Yes. In addition to oral and written testimony, the Panel’s investigation will be informed by archival research. All possible efforts will be made to obtain relevant records.