Victims and Prisoners Act 2024

36 Appointment of advocates in respect of major incidents

(1) The Secretary of State may appoint an individual to act as an advocate for victims of a major incident.

(2) Before appointing an advocate in respect of a major incident that occurs in Wales, the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers.

(3) An individual may be appointed as an advocate in respect of a major incident only if—

(a) the individual is the standing advocate, or

(b) the Secretary of State considers that the individual—

(i) is qualified, and

(ii) is appropriate to appoint in respect of the incident.

(4) An individual may be qualified by virtue of—

(a) their academic, professional or other qualifications, experience or skills;

(b) their relationship with a geographical or other community;

(c) any other matter the Secretary of State considers relevant.

(5) In determining whether an individual is appropriate to appoint as an advocate in respect of a major incident, the Secretary of State may have regard to—

(a) the geographical area in which the incident occurs;

(b) any community affected by the incident;

(c) the relevance of the individual’s qualifications, experience or skills to the incident and the matters in paragraphs (a) and (b);

(d) any other matter the Secretary of State considers relevant.