Part 8Inspections
Chapter 1The Office and the Chief Inspector
Functions: the Chief Inspector
118Functions of the Chief Inspector
1
The Chief Inspector has the general duty of keeping the Secretary of State informed about—
a
the quality of activities within the Chief Inspector’s remit and (where appropriate) the standards achieved by those for whose benefit such activities are carried on,
b
improvements in the quality of such activities and in any such standards,
c
the extent to which such activities are being carried on as user-focused activities, and
d
the efficient and effective use of resources in the carrying on of such activities and services.
2
If requested to do so by the Secretary of State, the Chief Inspector must provide the Secretary of State with information or advice on such matters relating to activities within the Chief Inspector’s remit as are specified in the request.
3
The Chief Inspector may at any time give advice to the Secretary of State on any matter connected with any activities within his remit, including advice relating to a particular establishment, institution or agency.
4
The Chief Inspector is to have such other functions in connection with activities within his remit as may be assigned to him by the Secretary of State.
5
Subsection (6) applies where the Chief Inspector is requested under subsection (2) to provide the Secretary of State with information or advice on matters relating to activities within the Chief Inspector’s remit.
6
Any enactment by virtue of which—
a
an inspection may be conducted by the Chief Inspector in relation to the activities in question (whether or not in pursuance of any duty), or
b
any power of entry is exercisable by him in relation to those activities,
is to have effect, with any necessary modifications, so as to enable him to conduct an inspection, or exercise any such power, for the purpose of complying with the request.
7
In subsection (6) any reference to a power of entry includes a reference to a power to inspect documents or a power conferred in connection with the inspection of documents.
8
Nothing in this section prejudices the operation of any other enactment relating to functions of the Chief Inspector.