Security At Public Hearings RFI

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (the Inquiry) holds public hearings at its hearing centre in Pocock Street, London SE1. There are usually two types of hearing, court style hearings where the panel hears evidence from witnesses or submissions from lawyers, and seminar style hearings, where the panel observes round table discussions from invited participants. These hearings are open to the public other than in exceptional circumstances.

General security of the building is handled through the facilities management contract. However, additional, specialist, services are required on days when the inquiry is holding a public hearing. On these days all visitors to the building (with the exception of the members of the panel) must undergo a security check. A security arch has been provided at the venue and an adjacent area to search bags. Within the venue there are ushers, whose role is to direct people to where they need to be and generally assist in the running of the hearing, support workers, who are there to help anyone who finds the proceedings distressing or who are otherwise distressed and require support. In addition there is a role for the specialist security personnel to intervene if there is a disturbance to de-escalate the situation and deal firmly but sympathetically with those involved.

We usually require two people to be on duty for each hearing and it is mandatory that there is one person of each sex available.

Each person assigned to these tasks must hold an active Door Supervisor licence and have completed a Door Supervisors Training Course. In addition, because of the nature of the people who attend hearings they must:

Have significant experience of working with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, or other groups with similar sensitivities. Have significant experience of techniques of de-escalation of violent or potentially violent situations, and Have relevant mediation skills Demonstrative interpersonal skills that enables them to engage appropriately with individuals of different backgrounds and experience

These staff will usually be required to work only on days where there are scheduled public hearings, and these dates will normally be advised at least one month in advance. There may also be occasional training or familiarisation days. Over time hearings are likely to amount to about 50% of normal working days and we expect hearings to continue until April 2020. Attendance will usually be required from 9am to 5pm on hearing days, though they may occasionally start earlier or finish later.

- Please confirm by 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 14th September 2017: If you are able to provide the services listed above - The daily rate (estimate or actual) for the male and female members of staff (exclusive of VAT)