Award of UK Infected Blood Inquiry Legal Support

We require the provision of legal advice, guidance and/or support in the following areas:• Preparation for Proceedings, i.e. helping to oversee and react to the following:o Attendance at and representing the Scottish Government at some, but not all, Inquiry hearings (please note that the Scottish Government may separately seek to appoint Counsel in due course, although it does not currently anticipate this being required);o Advising on evidence submitted to the Inquiry;o Reviewing evidence published by the Inquiryo Briefing Scottish Government on public hearings; ando Instructing and preparing opening and closing statements;• Provision of high quality and timely legal advice in relation to the Scottish Government’s response to the Inquiry including in relation to:o Inquiries legislation and procedure;o Privilege;o Interpretation and compliance with Rule 9 letters or Section 21 Notices from the Inquiry requiring the production of documentation from the Scottish Government; ando Liability;• Liaison where appropriate with the Inquiry solicitors and other legal firms and bodies, such as NHS National Services Scotland’s Central Legal Office, regarding the Scottish Government’s interests in the Inquiry;• Analysis and legal advice to Scottish Government on documentation and evidence submitted by other parties to the Inquiry (where not covered in preparations for hearings above); and• Providing support to Scottish Government staff and former staff as needed in helping them prepare for giving oral evidence if required and helping them to draft any written statements for the Inquiry.