Miscellaneous and general

Strategic plans
17A
1
The Ombudsman must, in respect of each 4 year period, lay before the Parliament a plan (referred to in this section as a “
strategic plan
”) setting out how the Ombudsman proposes to perform the Ombudsman's functions during the 4 year period.
2
A strategic plan must, in particular, set out—
a
the Ombudsman's objectives and priorities during the 4 year period,
b
how the Ombudsman proposes to achieve them,
c
a timetable for doing so, and
d
estimates of the costs of doing so.
3
Before laying a strategic plan before the Parliament, the Ombudsman must provide a draft of it to and invite, and (if any are given) consider, comments on it from—
a
the Parliamentary corporation, and
b
such other persons as the Ombudsman thinks appropriate.
4
The reference in subsection (3)(b) to other persons includes a reference to a committee of the Parliament.
5
The Ombudsman must lay each strategic plan before the Parliament not later than the beginning of the 4 year period to which the plan relates.
6
The Ombudsman must arrange for the publication of each strategic plan laid before the Parliament.
7
The Ombudsman may, at any time during a 4 year period, review the strategic plan for the period and lay a revised strategic plan before the Parliament.
8
Subsections (2) to (7) apply to a revised strategic plan as they apply to a strategic plan.
9
In that application, the reference in subsection (5) to the 4 year period is a reference to the period to which the revised strategic plan relates.
10
In this section, “
4 year period
” means the period of 4 years beginning on 1 April next following the coming into force of this section and each subsequent period of 4 years.
S. 17A inserted (1.4.2011) by Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Act 2010 (asp 11), s. 31(5), sch. 3 para. 7 (with s. 31(6), sch. 7)