Catalogue description The Bichard Inquiry (Inquiry Into the Events Surrounding the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2001)

After the conclusion of the trial of Ian Huntley for the murders of Soham schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, an inquiry chaired by Sir Michael Bichard was set up by the Home Secretary in December 2003. Its terms of reference were to: ‘Urgently enquire into child protection procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary in the light of the recent trial and conviction of Ian Huntley for the murder of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells. In particular to assess the effectiveness of the relevant intelligence-based record keeping, the vetting practices in those forces since 1995 and information sharing with other agencies, and to report to the Home Secretary on matters of local and national relevance and make recommendations as appropriate.’

The Inquiry published its report in June 2004. Unusually, it did not wind up at this point. Instead Sir Michael periodically reconvened his Inquiry to consider the progress made by the various authorities involved in implementing the changes recommended in his report. The selected websites include details of the work done in periodical reconvened sessions.