A Guide to Fatal Accident Inquiries in Scotland

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is a court-based investigation in Scotland that takes place when someone dies in specific circumstances, e.g. a death that is suspicious, unexpected, unexplained or sudden. The purpose of the FAI is to establish the facts around the death and explore how similar incidents might be prevented in the future. 

Practical Guide for NHS Staff 

A new guide from NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Central Legal Office (CLO), launched in Spring 2025, is available to support you if you, or a colleague, are involved in an FAI. 

What’s Inside: 

• An overview of the FAI process
• What to expect in court
• How to prepare and where to find support
• Guidance on staff wellbeing

The guide can be found on the Support Around Death website’s Fatal Accident Inquiry page 

Please note: This guide does not constitute legal advice. For legal support, contact your professional defence union or legal representative.  

Giving Evidence: CLO Video 

If you're called to give evidence at an FAI, the CLO has created a short training video to help you feel prepared. 

Watch the video here (email required) 

For further information, please contact: SupportAroundDeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk