Notes for the Guidance of Inspectors Holding Inquiries into orders and Special Road Schemes.

5. Assessors

Role of Assessors

5.1 When it seems likely that evidence to be given at an inquiry will be of a specialist nature outside the normal experience of the Inspector, one or more Assessors, expert in the fields in question, may be appointed to advise and assist the Inspector. It is the responsibility of each Assessor to ensure that all the relevant facts required for a complete understanding of the issues involving the Assessor's specialism emerge at the inquiry, and that the Inspector is provided with whatever explanation is required to enable him or her properly and fully to understand the subject matter.

5.2 Before the inquiry opens, the Inspector should consult the Assessor and define the latter's role and contributions to the running of the inquiry, and to the Inspector's report. When the Inspector opens the inquiry the Assessor should be introduced and his or her role explained. The Inspector is in charge of the inquiry and should retain control of it at all times. Even when specialist issues are being argued the various parties should address the Inspector. When an Assessor wishes to ask a question the Inspector can often ask it on the Assessor's behalf, but when the subject matter is highly specialised or complicated the Assessor may, with the Inspector's agreement, do any necessary questioning. The Inspector should always retain control of proceedings whilst the Assessor is putting questions, and should be present throughout.

5.3 Whilst the Assessor is assisting the Inspector in preparing for, holding and reporting on the inquiry, the Assessor is also expected to abide by the principles of impartiality, fairness and openness and should avoid informal contact with any of the participants, either at the inquiry venue or elsewhere.

5.4 Further advice on the role of assessors can be found at Appendix G.

Revised November 2004

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