Inquiry launches its public participation project, Let’s Be Heard 

The independent Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry has launched its public participation project, Let’s Be Heard: Sharing Scotland’s COVID Experience, and is inviting the public to take part.  

Let’s Be Heard is the main channel for people who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022 to share their experiences and any lessons they believe should be learned so we are better prepared in future. 

Experiences shared with Let’s Be Heard will help guide the Inquiry’s investigations and inform its reports. This will include identifying any disproportionate or unequal impacts on particular groups or communities. 

Let’s Be Heard is seeking answers to three key questions: 

1. What were your experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic?  
2. What impact did these experiences have on you or people you know?  
3. What lessons do you think should be learned from your experiences? 

Ways to take part  

If you wish to take part in the Inquiry through Let’s Be Heard, you can:   

• share your experiences through the form on the Let’s Be Heard website (lbh.covid19inquiry.scot); 
• submit a hard copy form (these are being made available in GP practices, care homes, community pharmacies, public libraries, and community centres throughout Scotland); 
• request a hard copy form and return envelope by emailing LetsBeHeard@covid19inquiry.scot, writing to Freepost SCOTTISH COVID-19 INQUIRY, or by leaving a voicemail for us on 0808 175 5555;   
• record yourself answering the three key questions above and submit the audio file through the Let’s Be Heard website; or 
• arrange a group discussion and submit your experiences as a group (more information on how to do this is on the Let’s Be Heard website).  

The Let’s Be Heard team will also work with organisations across Scotland to facilitate participation. More details, including additional ways to participate in the listening project, are available on the Let’s Be Heard website. 

Dr Alexandra Anderson, Head of Let’s Be Heard, said: “Everyone in Scotland has been affected by the pandemic. Thousands of people have lost their lives, and many others continue to be profoundly affected. Lessons people believe should be drawn from their experiences, both positive and negative, will be at the heart of the Inquiry’s investigations. 

“Our internal research team will analyse the experiences people share with us and produce a series of reports to help shape the Inquiry’s investigations and inform its reporting and recommendations to Scottish Ministers.”