Scope

Baroness Denise Kingsmill, chairman of the independent Model Health Inquiry, confirmed the scope, panel members, submission process and timetable on 21st May 2007.

Scope of the Inquiry:

• To establish the extent of any health issues, notably in relation to body size and shape, among catwalk models employed at London Fashion Week
  
  
• To look at the casting and selection process of models for work at London Fashion Week
  
  
• To establish the approach taken by other fashion capitals, in particular New York, Paris, Milan and Madrid; and evaluate the effectiveness of those actions
  
  
• To provide guidelines for effective and practical action which might be taken by employers of catwalk models within the UK fashion industry, in order to address any material size related health concerns which the Inquiry identifies
  
  
• To describe how any measures, appropriate to managing the health of London Fashion Week models, would be implemented, enforced and assessed effectively.

About the panel

Each particular panel member was chosen due to their expertise in health and or fashion industry matters and the combined expertise of the Inquiry panel will enable a balanced and measured review of the material research, facts and submitted evidence. 

Panel members:

Consultations

The Model Health Inquiry panel will receive written and verbal evidence from a variety of parties including; models, eating disorder experts, fashion designers, fashion show producers, retailers, and fashion media. Verbal evidence will be received through formal interviews between panel members and relevant experts. The panel will also request written evidence to accompany verbal interviews.

The Inquiry is reviewing material from a range of sources in order to identify issues and develop potential remedies where appropriate. In addition to reviewing a range of existing information on health and size issues, the Inquiry will rely heavily upon submissions which it receives. All parties wishing to make confidential submissions will be provided with opportunities to do so. 

Making a submission

Fashion experts, health experts and members of the public are welcome to submit written evidence through the website.

If you would like to make a submission, please write to info@modelhealthinquiry.com

Terms of reference

Terms of reference, 25-05-07 (PDF)
Click on the above link to view the document

Timetable

• May – June, information gathering to establish and analyse issues
  
  
• Early July, publication of the Interim Report with key findings
  
  
• End of July, submission of Final Report to the British Fashion Council
  
  
• September, publication of Final Report