Section 14: Strategic plans
68.Section 14 requires the CESPLS to produce a strategic plan and details arrangements for timing, content, consultation and review. Under subsection (1) the plan covers a four year period and sets out how the Commission and each Commissioner propose to perform their functions during the period.
69.Subsection (2) sets out broad details of what a plan must contain. In particular it is required to provide the objectives and the priorities during the period and state proposals for achieving them. In addition the plan must provide timetables and cost estimates.
70.Subsection (3) requires the CESPLS to consult on the plan before laying it before Parliament. Comment on a draft must be sought from the Parliamentary corporation and any other person the CESPLS thinks appropriate, which includes a Committee of the Parliament (subsection (4)).
71.Subsection (5) requires the CESPLS to lay each strategic plan before Parliament prior to the start of the four year period which is defined in subsection (10) as beginning on the next 1 April after commencement and each subsequent period of four years. Subsection (6) requires the Commission to publish each plan.
72.Under subsection (7) the CESPLS can review its strategic plan at any time during the four year period and lay a revised plan before the Parliament. Subsection (8) provides that, in that event, the provisions in subsection (2) to (7) about content, consultation, publication and review apply. Subsection (9) clarifies that a revised plan must be laid before the Parliament not later than the beginning of the period to which the revised strategic plan relates.
