Part 2

Victims of major incidents

Appointment of advocates

Appointment of advocates in respect of major incidents
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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.