Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016

119 Preliminary consideration

(1) The person giving preliminary consideration to a matter referred by SCW must refer that matter for investigation under section 125 unless—

(a) the person determines that the matter is not eligible for onward referral under section 120, or

(b) the person is required by section 121 to refer the matter directly to a fitness to practise panel.

(2) The person giving preliminary consideration to a matter may, at any stage, refer the matter to an interim orders panel (in addition to making a referral or determination under subsection (1)).

(3) SCW must by rules make provision about the procedure for preliminary consideration which may, in particular, provide for preliminary consideration to be carried out by—

(a) one or more persons appointed for that purpose, on such terms and conditions (including remuneration) as SCW may determine;

(b) one or more members of SCW’s staff.

(4) But rules made under subsection (3) may not provide for preliminary consideration to be carried out by—

(a) a person who is a member of—

(i) SCW,

(ii) the Health and Care Professions Council,

(iii) the Scottish Social Services Council, or

(iv) the Northern Ireland Social Care Council;

(b) a person who is a member of a fitness to practise panel;

(c) a person who is a member of an interim orders panel;

(d) a prescribed person.

(5) SCW must make such arrangements as it thinks appropriate to facilitate co-operation between—

(a) a person who has made an allegation that a registered person’s fitness to practise is impaired, and

(b) the person giving preliminary consideration to the allegation.