That we deal with one person on behalf of the family only – we will refer to that person as the client.

That person will be responsible for forwarding information and any advice or documentation to other family members.

The client may be asked to provide additional documents such as the deceased’s medical records and will be responsible for obtaining this information.

That the client agrees to pay any out of pocket expenses incurred by Rachel's Voice and or the barrister or legal representative who is appointed to represent them. Out of pocket expenses will include reasonable travel costs (usually second class travel unless otherwise agreed), overnight accommodation and basic subsistence costs (ie the costs of an evening meal and breakfast at £25 per day), and any third party expenses incurred such as the cost of an independent expert report.

Out of pocket expenses must be paid to Mencap on account before the expense is incurred.

If a client has difficulties meeting any or all out of pocket expenses to be incurred this needs to be discussed with the caseworker as soon as possible.

That the client deals with correspondence as swiftly as possible and in any event within a reasonable time particularly within the context of the date of any pending Pre Inquest Review Hearing or full inquest hearing.

That the client appoints Rachel's Voice or the solicitors they are referred by Rachel's Voice to liaise with relevant third parties such as the Coroner in place of the family unless otherwise agreed. This is to avoid duplication.

Rachel's Voice will not take on cases or will cease to be involved in cases where it becomes apparent that the client is seeking to use the pro bono service as a hybrid service, for example where the client undertakes the investigations themselves, does not share relevant information with us, duplicates communications but relies on Rachel's Voice to arrange representation from counsel.

Rachel's Voice does not guarantee representation from counsel and will use its best endeavours to find counsel to act on a pro bono basis.

Rachel's Voice does not guarantee that counsel will be of a certain standing e.g Kings Counsel or of a minimum number of years call or have previous inquest experience.

The Client must give written consent that counsel should be instructed.

Where English is not the family’s first language then the person appointed on behalf of the family (the Client) is expected to have reasonable communication skills and/or has arranged for someone to translate on their behalf. Rachel's Voice is unlikely to be able to incur the costs of a professional interpreter or be responsible for any misunderstanding that arises due to a language barrier.

Rachel's Voice will periodically review the case to ensure that the evidence substantiates the concerns raised by the family and/or client at the outset.