The research potential of testimony from public inquiry websites

Policy and practice in child welfare and protection has been significantly influenced by public
inquiries or commissions which follow highly publicised child tragedies. Whilst there has been
considerable comment on the final reports, there has been little research on the evidence gathered
for such inquiries. Large amounts of testimony are collected which are increasingly available
on inquiry websites. Such evidence offers new forms of readily available data about
professional practice across a wide range of topics. Suggestions are made about research
methods and search functions, and links to some sites provided. However, the data must be
understood in the context in which it was produced.