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18
Sept
Former judge to chair inquiry into mental health trust failings
A former judge has been appointed to oversee a public inquiry into a NHS trust responsible for mental health services in the Harrogate district.
His Honour Judge John Potter has been selected to chair the inquiry into mental health care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
The inquiry, launched by the government in December 2025, will aim to establish what happened in serious failings in mental health care at TEWV, why failings occurred and what needs to change to help ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care.
The announcement came after a vigorous campaign for an inquiry by bereaved families across the North East and North Yorkshire, following an unusually high number of patient deaths by suicide at the trust over the past 10 years, affecting both adults and children.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Yvette Cooper, said:
The families who were let down by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust have suffered immeasurable pain.
Judge Potter has been asked to deliver a comprehensive report into why and how things went so wrong across the trust’s mental health services, and what changes must be made.
A retired Circuit Judge and former Deputy Judge of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal, Judge Potter has over 40 years’ experience in public service, judicial leadership, and the administration of justice.
With Judge Potter’s appointment, the public inquiry will formally start on September 21.
His Honour Judge Potter said:
I am honoured to have been appointed to Chair the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Inquiry. I am conscious of the responsibility that comes with this role and of the experiences of the patients, families and others affected by the matters the Inquiry will examine.
My first priority will be to meet and listen to those affected. Their voices and experiences will be central to the Inquiry’s work and will help inform the development of its Terms of Reference.
The Inquiry will approach its task independently, thoroughly and fairly, and with respect for everyone who takes part. I will work with the Inquiry team to put the necessary arrangements in place so that our work can begin as promptly as proper preparation allows.
Tom Gordon MP speaking in the House of Commons.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said he welcomed the appointment.
Mr Gordon, who pushed for an inquiry into the trust, said:
This is welcome news, and it is long overdue. Families who lost loved ones, and patients who were badly let down by TEWV, have waited far too long for this inquiry to get going.
I called for this inquiry and then kept pressing the Government to appoint a chair, because families deserve answers, not more delay. I'm glad ministers have finally acted.
Mr Gordon has previously said he “struggled to see” how TEWV could continue in its current form ahead of the inquiry.
The trust currently delivers mental health services in Teeside, North East and North Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Richard Scorer, head of abuse law and public inquiries at Slater and Gordon who has previously worked at the Manchester Arena bombing inquiry, is set to represent families from Harrogate and Knaresborough.
In a statement issued in December, Alison Smith, TEWV chief executive, said the trust would support the inquiry. She said:
First and foremost, I extend my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by these tragic losses.
With the public inquiry now confirmed, we will fully support the process with transparency, openness and humility. Above all, we are committed to listening, reflecting, and taking meaningful action to ensure that we continually improve as an organisation.
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