Criteria related to the Commission’s resources • Whether any previous inquiries were successful or, if unsuccessful, whether the problems can be overcome • Whether Commission resources are adequate (includes financial and human resources) • Whether the Commission has the expertise or can obtain it • Whether resources can be committed to evaluation and follow-up • Whether the Commission could work in partnership with another body Criteria relating to the potential effectiveness of an inquiry on this topic • Whether other strategies would be as effective • Whether the Commission will be able to come up with implementable recommendations – the report should not be a mere academic treatise • Whether it is likely that the inquiry’s recommendations will be implemented Criteria related to the suitability of the topic for an inquiry • Whether the core evidence can be given in public • Whether witnesses can be identified and will be available • Whether the basic data are available. • Whether the Commission can protect and support vulnerable witnesses and their families • Whether the topic may open the Commission to a risk of retaliation 2.5. STEPS IN THE NATIONAL INQUIRY PROCESS There are fourteen steps in the national inquiry process: 1. Choose the issue 2. Prepare a background or scoping paper 3. Identify, consult and engage stakeholders 4. Draft objectives and terms of reference 5. Appoint Inquiry Commissioners and staff 6. Gather other resources 7. Finalise an inquiry plan, including monitoring and evaluation 8. Obtain information: research and evidence 9. Conduct public hearings 10. Develop recommendations 11. Prepare the report 12. Release the report 13. Follow up 14. Evaluate This manual examines each of these steps in turn. Chapter 2: The concept of a national inquiry | 11