Lady Smith to chair child abuse inquiry

A senior judge, the Right Honourable Lady Smith will lead Scotland’s independent public inquiry into the abuse of children in care from August, following the resignation of Susan O’Brien QC earlier this month.

Lady Smith’s appointment was announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee. Lady Smith has been a Judge since 2001 and was appointed to the Inner House in November 2012.

Mr Swinney said: “Lady Smith will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the leadership of the Inquiry, from her significant service both as a QC and as a judge, her extensive involvement in the work of tribunals and as President of the Scottish Tribunals and her role in leading the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse.

“Scotland must have an in-depth independent Inquiry that pursues critical lines of evidence to uncover the truth. It must also be sufficiently focused in scope to deliver clear, meaningful recommendations that help prevent a repeat of the systemic, institutional failings which saw children abused by the very individuals entrusted by the state and others to care for them over an extended period. Survivors, and indeed the wider public would expect no less.”

Lady Smith said: “Protection of the innocence and wellbeing of children is of fundamental importance to a healthy society. The duty of institutions entrusted with the care of children to afford that principle the highest priority is indisputable.

“Sadly, many children placed in residential care in this country have, over a period stretching back years, not been afforded the protection they deserved. Their voices now require to be heard and questions of when, where, how and why it happened require to be fully addressed.

“Consideration also needs to be given to determining whether further changes in current practice, policy or legislation are required to ensure children in care in Scotland are protected from such abuse. Real efforts must be made to try to effect healing, repair, restoration of dignity and hope for the future. It is, accordingly, very important that the work of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry continue and it is for these reasons that I welcome the invitation that has been extended to me by the Deputy First Minister and have today given my commitment to being its chair.”

Lady Smith’s appointment as chair of the independent Inquiry will take effect from August 1st.