The Abuse in Care Inquiry has and will continue to receive information from victims and survivors participating in private sessions with Commissioners. The Inquiry takes very seriously the need to protect the privacy and confidentiality of this information and has clear policies and information management systems in place to do so.

As part of this, the Abuse in Care Inquiry has made an Order under section 15 of the Inquiries Act 2013 that prohibits the publication of information provided in a private session that may lead to the identification of the victim or survivor who has taken part unless the victim or survivor consents to that information being made public. It also prohibits the publication of information that may lead to the identification of any other person mentioned in the private session. The Order further restricts public access to any of the Inquiry’s records from the private sessions. These include audio records, transcripts, statements and notes provided at the private session.

It is an offence to breach this section 15 order.