5(1)The following provisions explain what is meant in paragraph 4(1)(b)(ii) by a firm being “controlled by qualified persons”.
(2)For this purpose references to a person being qualified are, in relation to an individual, to his holding an appropriate qualification, and in relation to a firm, to its being eligible for appointment as a company auditor.
(3)A firm shall be treated as controlled by qualified persons if, and only if—
(a)a majority of the members of the firm are qualified persons, and
(b)where the firm’s affairs are managed by a board of directors, committee or other management body, a majority of the members of that body are qualified persons or, if the body consists of two persons only, at least one of them is a qualified person.
(4)A majority of the members of a firm means—
(a)where under the firm’s constitution matters are decided upon by the exercise of voting rights, members holding a majority of the rights to vote on all, or substantially all, matters;
(b)in any other case, members having such rights under the constitution of the firm as enable them to direct its overall policy or alter its constitution.
(5)A majority of the members of the management body of a firm means—
(a)where matters are decided at meetings of the management body by the exercise of voting rights, members holding a majority of the rights to vote on all, or substantially all, matters at such meetings;
(b)in any other case, members having such rights under the constitution of the firm as enable them to direct its overall policy or alter its constitution.
(6)The provisions of paragraphs 5 to 11 of Schedule 10A to the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 (rights to be taken into account and attribution of rights) apply for the purposes of this paragraph.