The status would have allowed the RIBA to provide written opening statements to the inquiry, in order to highlight particular evidence or any aspect of the investigation affecting the institute.

In its latest update, the independent inquiry stated that 25 organisations and professional bodies had been granted core participant (CP) status.

In total, 545 applications for a CP position were received, including those from individuals. Of these, 393 have been accepted, 111 refused and 41 deferred or waiting to be considered.


A RIBA spokesperson told the AJ: ’The RIBA’s application for core participant status was not accepted. The inquiry recognised that it can benefit from the expertise of our members, but we do not need to be a core participant to give evidence.

’We continue to engage closely with ministers, civil servants and advisers involved in the various strands of work related to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, making recommendations to enhance the future fire safety of buildings for all residents and users.’

The inquiry’s update also announced the appointment of three ‘assessors’ – acting as advisers to chair Martin Moore-Bick – including civil engineer David Nethercot, who will examine Grenfell Tower’s design, construction and refurbishment. None of these three assessors are architects.

A spokesperson for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry told the AJ that each assessor had ’specific experience and expertise that was felt likely to be of assistance to the chairman’.

’The inquiry is still at an early stage and additional assessors will be appointed if this is required either for the duration of the inquiry or for a specific part of the inquiry,’ the spokesperson added.


’Matters of design and the choice of materials for use in high-rise buildings from an architectual perspective will be an important aspect of Phase 2 of the inquiry.’

The first procedural hearing for the inquiry will be held on 11 and 12 December 2017 at Holborn Bars, central London.