RCPsych President gives evidence at Nottingham Inquiry

The Nottingham Inquiry, which was established to build a clear understanding of the events that led up to the tragic homicides in Nottingham in June 2023, started on 23 February 2026.  

Since it began, a range of witnesses have been called to appear before the Inquiry, including members of the victim’s families, individual healthcare professionals including members of the College and representatives from various organisations. 

Today, Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, gave expert evidence on behalf of the College and the profession.  

The President answered questions about how people with severe mental illness should be treated, commenting on best practice around risk assessment, restrictive practice and information sharing. She also spoke about the College’s role in delivering training and producing guidance to support clinicians and mental health services. She was further questioned on the wider challenges facing services in regard to funding and workforce shortages.  

Dr Smith’s first witness statement and second witness statement are both available on the Nottingham Inquiry website. A recording of this and all the hearings can be watched online, and a transcript of her session is also available. 

Stephen McGowan, Clinical Advisor to the National Clinical Audit of Psychosis and Chair of the Early Intervention in Psychosis Network which are both run by the College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI), also provided the Inquiry with a witness statement. 

The Nottingham Inquiry is expected to publish a final report with its findings by May 2027.