For the purposes of the IPA a major incident is defined as an incident that:
- Occurs in England or Wales after 18 September 2024;
- Causes the death of or serious harm to a significant number of individuals, and;
- Is declared in writing by the Secretary of State to be a major incident.
The Independent Public Advocate (IPA) is here to support victims of major incidents—helping them navigate what comes after, like inquests and public inquiries.
You’re eligible if:
- You were physically present at the incident and experienced harm
- You’re a close family member or friend of someone who was present and either died or suffered serious, lasting harm
Harm includes physical, emotional, or mental impact, as defined by law. Serious harm means life-changing injuries that are unlikely to improve significantly.
If you weren’t at the scene but were emotionally affected, you’re not eligible for IPA support. The IPA focuses on those directly involved in the incident and the official processes that follow.
Support is available to all victims including British nationals living abroad, or a foreign national who usually lives outside the UK.
Victims can be of any age. However, by law, advocates cannot directly support anyone under 18. Instead, they’ll work through a trusted adult representative.
Support from the IPA is completely optional. Everyone responds to trauma differently, and it’s up to you to decide what feels right.
As laid out in statute, the IPA will respond to major incidents that take place after September 2024. However, we know the IPA’s success depends on learning from the past and addressing where improvements need to be made. We are committed to hearing from those affected by past tragedies and making sure their experiences help shape what comes next.