Baroness Heather Hallett is leading the inquiry looking at the UK's response to the COVID pandemic.
The inquiry was set up to help the government and public figure out the lessons that can be learned from the UK's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Who is Baroness Hallett?
Heather Carol Hallett, 73, is a former Court of Appeal judge.
In 1998 she became the first woman to chair the Bar Council, the lead representative body for barristers in England and Wales
According to the government website, after becoming a Presiding Judge, Baroness Hallett was then promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2005.
In 2013, she was appointed vice-president of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
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Baroness Hallett also acted as coroner at the inquest into the London bombings of 7 July 2005.
In 2015, she was appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to conduct a review into "On the Runs" - which examined over 200 people who were told they were no longer wanted for paramilitary crimes committed before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
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COVID inquiry: Govt shouldn't hand in 'unrelated' documents
She was then appointed as the chair of the Security Vetting Appeals Panel in April 2019.
Later that year, she was appointed to conduct individual fatality investigations assigned to her from time to time, with her agreement, by the Ministry of Defence.
In December 2021, former prime minister Boris Johnson appointed Baroness Hallett as chair of the inquiry into the COVID pandemic.
At the time of her appointment, Mr Johnson said: "I want to thank Baroness Hallett for agreeing to take on the position of chair of the COVID-19 inquiry.
"She brings a wealth of experience to the role and I know shares my determination that the inquiry examines in a forensic and thoroughgoing way the government's response to the pandemic."
What has she said about the inquiry?
In July 2022, Baroness Hallett officially launched the UK COVID inquiry and opened the first investigation.
She had set out a timetable with preliminary hearings and witnesses.
During the launch of the inquiry, she put out a statement that said: "It's time for facts, not opinions - and I will be resolute in my quest for the truth. The inquiry is already gathering evidence and I will be holding public hearings next year.
"Our work must be swift. The inquiry's scope is broad, so we will start with the most pressing questions - was the UK prepared for a pandemic? I will share more information on our investigations as our plans evolve."
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Lady Hallett said she would commit to undertaking the inquiry and acknowledge the "suffering" caused to the public during the pandemic.
The inquiry has been divided into different modules.
Module 1 examines the "resilience and preparedness of the UK for the coronavirus pandemic".
Module 2 is split into parts and will look at the core politics and decision-making by the government.
Module 3 will look into the impact of COVID and the government and public response - as well as the impact on the health system, hospitals and health workers.
Module 4 looks into the development of COVID vaccines and the implementation of the vaccine rollout programme.
According to the inquiry's website, further modules will be announced in the coming months.
Image:Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA
Who else is on the inquiry team?
Ben Connah is currently the inquiry secretary responsible for the administration of the investigation, which involves supporting Lady Hallett.
Mr Connah is a senior civil servant who reports directly to the chair. His job is to assist the inquiry in whatever way necessary to complete its work.
He is currently the leading contact between the inquiry and the Cabinet Office.
Martin Smith works in the inquiry team as a solicitor and is responsible for advising the chair, obtaining evidence, corresponding with core participants, and preparing for hearings.
He has specialised in public law, regulations, inquests and inquiries.
Another member of the team is Hugo Keith KC, who is the lead counsel for the inquiry.
Mr Keith's role is to give independent legal advice to Lady Hallett. He must present evidence, question witnesses in the investigation and lead the winder counsel team.
Other team members include:
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Sam Hartley is a director of policy, research and analysis and deputy secretary.
Anisha Worbs is chief operating officer and programme director.
Samantha Edwards is the director of communications and engagement of the inquiry.
