Grenfell Inquiry appoints three assessors

Their role will include taking part in Inquiry proceedings as requested by the Chairman; providing suggested lines of questioning for witnesses to Counsel to the Inquiry; and providing assistance and advice on any other matter relevant to the Inquiry within their area of expertise. Assessors do not give evidence to the Inquiry, nor are they asked questions or cross-examined at the Inquiry.  

Joe Montgomery has been appointed by the chairman to assist him in considering issues related to community engagement and the occupation and management of social housing, in particular in relation to the arrangements made by the local authority for receiving and acting on information relevant to the risk of fire at Grenfell Tower.

Joyce Redfearn was appointed to assist in identifying best practice among local authorities in relation to matters such as the management of finances and the procurement of services relating to the design and construction of residential buildings. She will also assist him in investigating the arrangements made by the local authority and Tenant Management Organisation for receiving and acting on information relevant to the risk of fire at Grenfell Tower, as well as the response of local government in the days immediately following the fire.

Finally, Professor David Nethercot has been appointed to assist in considering technical issues relating to the design and construction of the building and its refurbishment. Professor Nethercot said: "Like others, I was deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life at the Grenfell Tower. I hope that my scientific background and technical objectivity will assist the Inquiry team in its current task and play a part in reducing the possibility of such a tragedy ever occurring again in the future. This is no small undertaking but the importance of the Inquiry’s work cannot be overstated; it is a privilege to be able to contribute to this process.”

Further detailed information on each assessors’ background is available here.