Press
Solicitor turned broadcaster puts Public Inquiries in spotlight
13/10/2008Ann Alexander has used her 30 years experience in health related litigation to examine the role public inquiries play and whether lessons are learnt after major tragedies.
Described by Chambers as a 'distinguished practitioner in the legal field', Ann has researched, written and presented a documentary for BBC Radio 4 about Public Inquiries.
Public Inquiries cost millions of pounds and make hundreds of recommendations for change but are they effective? In the half -hour programme for the 'Analysis' series, Ann looks at how Public Inquiries work from the inside and considers where improvements need to be made to make the system work better?
With a wealth of experience, Ann has been personally involved in a number of Inquiries and is perhaps best known for representing more than 200 families directly affected by the Shipman case after she successfully overturned the Secretary of State for Health's decision to hold the Shipman Inquiry in private.
Featured in Ann's high profile interviewee line-up are Frank Dobson MP (former Secretary of State for Health), Sir Ian Kennedy (chair of Bristol Inquiry) and Lord Laming (chair of Climbie Inquiry)
The programme not only explores the emotional dimension of dealing with major human tragedies, but also the search for truth - whether this be a single truth or a series of truths - a rather grey area.
Aside from being a catharsis for those who have suffered, Ann examines the financial and moral weight of Inquiries, looking into institutional and systematic failings which have closed the shutters on what should be a wholly transparent legal process.
Commenting on the programme, Ann said: "My personal experience of being involved in a number of major Inquiries led me to bring this contentious subject to both the media and wider public's attention.
"Having secured interviews with respected senior professionals on high profile cases as well as people directly affected by them, I have tapped into a subject which is rarely exposed to public debate.
"It was a real challenge for me to produce and front my own documentary - the whole process has been enlightening and incredibly thought-provoking. It's something I have a very keen interest in and asks questions which sometimes are afraid to be asked."
Note for Editors
Ann Alexander formerly Senior Partner of national clinical negligence law firm Alexander Harris has now retired from full time legal practice and runs a media and communications consultancy , working in partnership with broadcaster Alistair Macdonald as one half of Alexander Macdonald (www.alexandermacdonald.co.uk)
Ann is a trustee of the Patients' Association, Children's Safety Education Foundation and Action against Medical Accidents. She
Ann worked on the programme with Jim Frank, a senior producer for BBC Current Affairs with 15 years programme making experience. He is currently producing Analysis, Radio 4's specialist legal programme, Law in Action and produces the BBC's Reith Lectures.
Analysis: Public Inquiries broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday 30 October from 8.30pm to 9pm. A website will be launched on 30th October www.publicinquiries.org.uk
