Search Legislation

The Social Workers Regulations 2018

Changes over time for: SCHEDULE 2

 Help about opening options

Alternative versions:

Status:

Point in time view as at 16/12/2022.

Changes to legislation:

There are currently no known outstanding effects for the The Social Workers Regulations 2018, SCHEDULE 2. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.

Regulation 25(1)(a)

SCHEDULE 2E+WFitness to practise proceedings

This schedule has no associated Explanatory Memorandum

PART 1E+WTriage

TriageE+W

1.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), where a question arises as to whether a social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the regulator must determine in accordance with criteria set out in rules made under regulation 25(5)(a) whether there are reasonable grounds for investigating whether the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired.

[F1(1A) In order to make a determination under sub-paragraph (1), the regulator may require the supply of information or documents in accordance with paragraph 5(1).]

(2) Where a question arises as to whether a social worker's fitness to practise is impaired—

(a)as a result of them having been convicted of an offence in respect of which a custodial sentence has been imposed, other than a listed offence, or

(b)where they have been convicted of a listed offence, but have not been removed from the register under regulation 26(5),

there are reasonable grounds for investigating whether the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, and there is a realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired.

(3) Where sub-paragraph (2) applies, the regulator—

(a)must notify the social worker accordingly, and require them to provide details of—

(i)any person by whom they are, or have been, employed to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work,

(ii)any person with whom they have, or had, an arrangement to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work, and

(iii)any regulatory body with which they are registered,

(b)may invite the social worker to make written submissions,

(c)may notify any complainant of the action taken under this sub-paragraph.

(4) In this Schedule—

  • “complainant”, where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, means the person who made the complaint,

  • social worker” means the registered social worker who is the subject of the fitness to practise proceedings.

Determination by the regulator that there are no reasonable groundsE+W

2.  Where the regulator determines in accordance with paragraph 1(1) that there are no reasonable grounds for investigating whether the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the regulator must inform any complainant of that determination and the reasons for it unless, in the opinion of the regulator, it is not in the public interest to do so.

PART 2E+WInvestigation

Commencement of investigationE+W

3.—(1) Where the regulator determines in accordance with paragraph 1(1) that there are reasonable grounds for investigating whether a social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the regulator must—

(a)appoint two or more investigators to carry out an investigation, and

(b)appoint two or more case examiners to determine whether there is a realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired,

in accordance with this Part.

(2) Where paragraph 1(2) applies the regulator must appoint two or more case examiners to consider the case in accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9, and paragraphs 4 to 6 do not apply.

(3) Any step in the investigation under this Part must be taken within such period as is specified in rules made under regulation 25(5)(b).

Notifying the social worker and the complainantE+W

4.—(1) The investigators must—

(a)notify the social worker of the grounds for investigating whether their fitness to practise is impaired,

(b)require the social worker to provide details of—

(i)any person by whom they are, or have been, employed to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work,

(ii)any person with whom they have, or had, an arrangement to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work, and

(iii)any regulatory body with which they are registered, and

(c)invite the social worker to make written submissions.

(2) Where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the investigators may—

(a)provide the complainant with a copy of any written submissions made by the social worker, and

(b)invite the complainant to make written submissions in response.

Obtaining further information and referral to case examinersE+W

5.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), [F2the regulator or] the investigators may require any person who, in their opinion, is able to supply information or produce any document which appears relevant to the discharge of their functions or to those of case examiners or adjudicators under this Schedule, to attend and give evidence, or produce documents, in the fitness to practise proceedings.

(2) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1)—

(a)requires or permits any disclosure of information which is prohibited by or under any other enactment, or

(b)requires the production of any document which a person could not be compelled to supply or produce in proceedings in the High Court on an appeal from a decision of case examiners or adjudicators under Part 5.

(3) Any information required, and any representations made, under this Part must be provided to [F3the regulator or] the investigators within such period as is specified in rules made under regulation 25(5)(b), or such longer period as [F3the regulator or] the investigators may determine.

[F4(4) The regulator or the investigators may take such steps as are reasonably practicable to obtain any further information relevant to carrying out their functions under this Schedule.

(5) At any stage in fitness to practise proceedings, the regulator may—

(a)consider whether an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker, and

(b)propose that an interim order be made in accordance with paragraph 8.

(6) Where the regulator has been notified in accordance with paragraph 8(1), it must consider whether an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker.

(7) Where the regulator considers an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker, it must appoint two or more adjudicators to consider whether to make an interim order in accordance with paragraph 8.

(8) The investigators must refer the case to the case examiners at the conclusion of the investigation.]

Determination by case examinersE+W

6.—(1) The case examiners must—

(a)consider the information and any written submissions referred to them by the investigators, and

(b)determine whether there is a realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine, under Part 3, that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired.

(2) Where the case examiners determine that there is no realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the case examiners may—

(a)give a warning to the social worker regarding their future conduct or performance,

(b)give advice to the social worker on any matter related to the investigation,

(c)take no further action.

(3) Where sub-paragraph (2) applies, the case examiners must inform the following of their determination and the reasons for it—

(a)the regulator,

(b)the social worker, and

(c)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant.

7.—(1) Where the case examiners determine that there is a realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the case examiners must notify the social worker of that determination and the reasons for it.E+W

(2) The case examiners must refer a case falling within sub-paragraph (1), or a case to which paragraph 1(2) applies, to a fitness to practise hearing if, in their opinion, it would be in the public interest to do so.

(3) Where the case examiners do not refer the case to a fitness to practise hearing under paragraph (2) the case examiners may notify the social worker of the terms on which, and the time within which, the social worker may elect to have the case disposed of without a hearing in accordance with paragraph 9.

(4) At any time before the case examiners determine that a case is to proceed to a fitness to practise hearing they may require the investigators to obtain, and supply to them, further information or submissions relevant to the investigation, provided that paragraph 5(2) and (3) applies to the provision of information under this sub-paragraph.

Interim ordersE+W

8.[F5(1) If, at any stage, an investigator or the case examiners are of the opinion that an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker, they must notify the regulator of their opinion and the reasons for that opinion.

(1A) Where the regulator has been notified in accordance with sub-paragraph (1), the regulator may appoint two or more adjudicators to consider whether to make an interim order in accordance with this paragraph.]

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), the adjudicators may make any interim order they consider is necessary for the protection of the public, or in the best interests of the social worker.

[F6(3) The adjudicators may not make an interim order unless the conditions in sub-paragraphs (3A) and (3B) have been complied with.

(3A) The condition in this sub-paragraph is that the regulator has first informed the social worker—

(a)that an interim order may be made, and

(b)of the reasons why it considers that an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker.

(3B) The condition in this sub-paragraph is that the regulator has given the social worker the opportunity—

(a)to make written submissions, or

(b)to attend before the adjudicators and be represented, in order to make oral submissions.

(3C) Where the adjudicators make an interim order under sub-paragraph (2), they must inform the regulator of the making of that order and its terms.]

(4) [F7Where the regulator has been informed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3A), the regulator must—]

(a)inform the following of the terms of the [F8interim] order—

F9(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)the social worker,

(iii)any person by whom the social worker is employed, or with whom they have an arrangement, to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work (where known),

(iv)any regulatory body with which the social worker is registered (where known), and

(v)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant, and

(b)notify the social worker of their right to appeal to the High Court under Part 5.

(5) An interim order may—

(a)suspend the social worker from practising (an “interim suspension order”), or

(b)impose a restriction or condition with which the social worker must comply (an “interim conditions of practice order”),

for such period, not exceeding eighteen months, as is specified in the order.

[F10(5A) An interim order made under sub-paragraph (2) takes effect from the date on which it is made notwithstanding any appeal against the order.]

(6) An interim order made under sub-paragraph (2) ceases to have effect before the expiry of the period specified in the order, or such period as is substituted by the court pursuant to paragraph 14(3)(a) (as the case may be)—

(a)if the case examiners determine [F11, in the case in respect of which the order was made,] that there is no realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired,

(b)following a fitness to practise hearing, if the adjudicators determine [F12, in the case in respect of which the order was made,] that the social worker's fitness to practise is not impaired,

(c)where [F13the case in respect of which the order was made] is disposed of under paragraph 9(3) by either of the means mentioned in paragraph 9(2)(a) or (b),

(d)where a final order is made in respect of the social worker [F14in the case in respect of which the interim order was made,]

(i)if there is no appeal against that order, when the period for appealing expires,

(ii)if there is an appeal against that order, when the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of, or

(e)where the social worker is removed from the register under regulation 26(5).

Textual Amendments

Disposal without hearingE+W

9.—(1) This sub-paragraph applies where—

(a)the case examiners give the notification referred to in paragraph 7(3), or paragraph 1(2)(a) applies (social worker convicted of an offence, other than a listed offence), and

(b)the case examiners determine that it would not be in the public interest for the case to proceed to a fitness to practise hearing.

(2) Where sub-paragraph (1) applies the case examiners may notify the social worker that they propose to dispose of the case without further investigation by—

(a)taking no further action,

(b)giving advice to the social worker on any matter related to the case, or

(c)making a final order.

(3) If the social worker notified under sub-paragraph (2) notifies the case examiners that the social worker consents to the proposed disposal of the case and does not wish to proceed to a fitness to practise hearing, the case examiners must, provided that they remain satisfied that it would not be in the public interest for the case to proceed to a fitness to practise hearing—

(a)dispose of the case accordingly, and

(b)inform the following of the manner in which the case was disposed of—

(i)the regulator,

(ii)the social worker,

(iii)any person by whom the social worker is employed, or with whom they have an arrangement, to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work (where known),

(iv)any regulatory body with which the social worker is registered (where known), and

(v)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant.

[F15(4) A decision to dispose of a case under sub-paragraph (3)(a) takes effect from the date on which the social worker is informed of the decision under sub-paragraph (3)(b)(ii) notwithstanding any review of that decision under paragraph 9A or 15(2).]

[F16Review of decisionsE+W

9A.(1) Rules under regulation 25(5)(a) may make provision for enabling the regulator to review a decision of the case examiners to take any course of action allowed by paragraph 6, 7 or 9.

(2) Rules made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, include provision as to—

(a)which decisions made under those paragraphs may be reviewed;

(b)the period within which such a review is to be commenced;

(c)the process to be followed by the regulator in carrying out such a review (including the determinations to be made by the regulator);

(d)the actions which may be taken following such a review.]

PART 3E+WFitness to practise hearing

Commencement of hearing procedureE+W

10.—(1) This sub-paragraph applies where a case has not been disposed of under paragraph 9(3) and the case examiners determine that—

(a)there is a realistic prospect that adjudicators would determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, and

(b)it would be in the public interest for the case to proceed to a fitness to practise hearing.

(2) Where sub-paragraph (1) applies—

(a)the case examiners must inform the regulator, and

(b)the regulator must appoint two or more adjudicators (who may be the adjudicators appointed under paragraph 8(1)(b), if any) to conduct a fitness to practise hearing in accordance with this Part.

(3) Any step in the fitness to practise hearing must be taken within such period as is specified in rules made under regulation 25(5)(b), or such longer period as the adjudicators may determine.

(4) The [F17regulator] must—

(a)notify the social worker, and where relevant the complainant, that [F18the adjudicators] will conduct a fitness to practise hearing to determine whether the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired,

(b)invite the social worker to make written submissions, and

(c)inform the social worker that they may—

(i)attend the hearing, and be represented,

(ii)make oral submissions,

(iii)call witnesses.

(5) At any time before the adjudicators make a determination under paragraph 12(1) or (3) they may require the investigators to obtain, and supply to them, further information or submissions relevant to the fitness to practise hearing, provided that paragraph 5(2) and (3) applies to the provision of information under this sub-paragraph.

Interim ordersE+W

11.—(1) The adjudicators may make any interim order they consider is necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker, where they—

(a)have not yet made a determination under paragraph 12(1) or (3), or

(b)are making a final order under paragraph 12(3)(b).

[F19(2) The adjudicators may not make an interim order under sub-paragraph (1)(a) unless the conditions in sub-paragraphs (2A) and (2B) have been complied with.

(2A) The condition in this sub-paragraph is that the regulator has first informed the social worker—

(a)that an interim order may be made, and

(b)of the reasons why it considers that an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker.

(2B) The condition in this sub-paragraph is that the regulator has given the social worker the opportunity—

(a)to make written submissions, or

(b)to attend before the adjudicators and be represented, in order to make oral submissions.

(2C) An interim order made under sub-paragraph (1) takes effect from the date on which it is made notwithstanding any appeal against the order.]

(3) An interim order ceases to have effect before the expiry of the period specified in the order, or such period as is substituted by the court pursuant to paragraph 14(3)(a) (as the case may be)—

(a)in the case of an interim order referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a), when the adjudicators determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is not impaired,

(b)in the case of an interim order referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b)—

(i)where there is no appeal against the final order, when the period for appealing expires, or

(ii)where there is an appeal against the final order, when the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.

[F20(3A) Where the adjudicators make an interim order under sub-paragraph (1), they must inform the regulator of the making of that order and its terms.]

[F21(4) Where the regulator has been informed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3A), the regulator must—

(a)inform the persons specified in paragraph 8(4)(a)(ii) to (v) of the terms of the order, and

(b)notify the social worker of their right to appeal to the High Court under Part 5.]

Determination by adjudicatorsE+W

12.—(1) Where, following a fitness to practise hearing, the adjudicators determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is not impaired the adjudicators may—

(a)give a warning to the social worker regarding their future conduct or performance,

(b)give advice to the social worker on any matter related to the fitness to practise proceedings, or

(c)take no further action.

(2) Where sub-paragraph (1) applies, the adjudicators must inform the following of their determination and the reasons for it—

(a)the regulator,

(b)the social worker, and

(c)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant.

(3) Where, following the fitness to practise hearing, the adjudicators determine that the social worker's fitness to practise is impaired, the adjudicators may—

(a)give advice to the social worker on any matter related to the fitness to practise proceedings,

(b)make a final order,

(c)take no further action.

[F22(3A) Where the adjudicators make a final order, they must inform the regulator of the terms of the order and the reasons for it.]

(4) [F23Where the regulator has been informed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3A), the regulator must—]

(a)inform the following of the terms of the [F24final] order and the reasons for it—

F25(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)the social worker,

(iii)any person by whom the social worker is employed, or with whom they have an arrangement, to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work (where known),

(iv)any regulatory body with which the social worker is registered (where known), and

(v)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant,

(b)notify the social worker of their right—

(i)to request a review under paragraph 15, and

(ii)to appeal to the High Court under Part 5.

[F26(5) A final order does not take effect until the expiry of the period within which an appeal against the order could be made or, where an appeal against the order has been made, until the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.]

Final ordersE+W

13.—(1) A final order may—

(a)require the removal of the social worker's entry from the register (a “removal order”),

(b)suspend the social worker from practising for such period as is specified in the order (a “suspension order”),

(c)impose a restriction or condition with which the social worker must comply for such period as is specified in the order (a “conditions of practice order”),

(d)give a warning to the social worker regarding their future conduct or performance (a “warning order”).

[F27(2) A removal order may only be made in a case where—

(a)the adjudicators found the social worker’s fitness to practise to be impaired on one or more of the grounds set out in regulation 25(2)(a), (c), (d), (f), or (g),

(b)the adjudicators found the social worker’s fitness to practise to be impaired on one or more of the grounds set out in regulation 25(2)(b), (e) or (h) and the social worker was either suspended from practice, or subject to a conditions of practice order, or a combination of both, for a continuous period of two years immediately preceding the day when the removal order took effect, or

(c)the case examiners—

(i)found that there was a realistic prospect that the adjudicators would make a determination that the social worker’s fitness to practise was impaired on one or more of the grounds set out in regulation 25(2)(a), (c), (d), (f), or (g), and

(ii)have both disposed of the case in accordance with paragraph 9(3)(a) and informed the persons specified in paragraph 9(3)(b).]

(3) A suspension order and a conditions of practice order have effect for such period, not exceeding three years, as is specified in the order.

PART 4E+WReview of orders

Review of interim ordersE+W

14.—(1) The regulator must review any interim order made under paragraphs 8(2) or 11(1)(a) (including any such order as has been extended or varied)—

(a)within the period of six months beginning on the date on which the order was made,

(b)thereafter, before the end of the period of [F28six] months, beginning on the date of the decision of the immediately preceding review, for so long as the order continues in force, and

(c)where new evidence relevant to the order has become available after the making of the order, or the last review.

(2) The regulator may apply to the High Court to extend, or further extend, the period for which an interim order has effect.

(3) On an application under sub-paragraph (2) the High Court may—

(a)substitute a different period for which the interim order has effect, or

(b)confirm the order.

(4) Where the High Court substitutes a different period for which the interim order has effect the regulator must notify any person who was notified of the making of the interim order.

(5) Subject to sub-paragraph (6), on a review under sub-paragraph (1) the regulator may—

(a)revoke the order,

(b)revoke or vary any condition imposed by the order,

(c)confirm the order,

(d)replace an interim conditions of practice order with an interim suspension order (or vice versa) having effect for the same period, provided it is satisfied that to do so is necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker,

(6) The regulator may not take any of the steps in sub-paragraph (5) unless it has first informed the social worker of the proposed step and given them the opportunity—

(a)to make written submissions, or

(b)to attend before it and be represented, in order to make oral submissions.

(7) Where sub-paragraph (5) applies, the regulator must inform the following of the terms of the order and the reasons for it—

(a)the social worker,

(b)any person by whom the social worker is employed, or with whom they have an arrangement, to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work (where known),

(c)any other regulatory body with which the social worker is registered (where known), and

(d)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant.

[F29(8) Where sub-paragraph (5) applies, the action taken on a review under sub-paragraph (1) takes effect from the date on which the regulator completes the review notwithstanding any appeal against that decision.]

Review of final ordersE+W

15.—(1) The regulator must review a suspension order, or a conditions of practice order, before its expiry, and may—

(a)with effect from the date on which the order would have expired, extend or further extend the period for which the order has effect, provided that [F30the extension or further extension does not exceed three years from the date on which it is extended or further extended],

(b)with effect from the expiry of the order, make any order [F31(“the new order”)] which the case examiners or the adjudicators (as the case may be) could have made at the time they made the order, provided that the period for which [F32the new order has effect does not exceed three years from the date on which it is made],

(c)in the case of a suspension order, with effect from its expiry make a conditions of practice order with which the social worker must comply if they resume practice as a social worker at the end of the period of suspension specified in the order,

[F33(d)revoke the order with effect from the date of the review for the remainder of the period for which it would have had effect.]

[F34(1A) Where a social worker appeals against a decision made under sub-paragraph (1), the decision being appealed takes effect from the date specified in that sub-paragraph notwithstanding any appeal against that decision.]

(2) The regulator may review a final order where new evidence relevant to the order has become available after the making of the order, or when requested to do so by the social worker, and may—

(a)confirm the order,

(b)extend, or further extend, the period for which the order has effect, provided that the extended period does not exceed [F35

(i)in the case of a suspension or a conditions of practice order, three years; or

(ii)in the case of a warning order, five years,]

(c)reduce the period for which the order has effect, but in the case of a warning order, not so that it has effect for less than one year beginning on the date when the order was made F36...,

[F37(d)substitute any order which the adjudicators or the case examiners could have made on the date on which they made the order],

(e)revoke the order, and in the case of a suspension order may make the revocation subject to the social worker satisfying such requirements as to additional education or training and experience as apply to them,

(f)revoke or vary any condition imposed by the order.

[F38(2A) The decision on a review under sub-paragraph (2) takes effect from the date on which the regulator completes the review notwithstanding any appeal against that decision.]

(3) A request by the social worker under sub-paragraph (2) must be made within such period as the regulator determines in rules made under regulation 25(5), and [F39an order made under paragraph 12(3)(b)] does not have effect until after the expiry of that period.

(4) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) apply in relation to an order made on a review under those paragraphs, as they apply to an order made under paragraph [F409(2)(c) or] 12(3)(b).

(5) The regulator may not take any action mentioned in sub-paragraphs (1) or (2) unless it has first informed the social worker of the proposed action and given them the opportunity—

(a)to make written submissions, or

(b)to attend before the regulator and be represented, in order to make oral submissions.

(6) Where the regulator takes any action mentioned in sub-paragraphs (1) or (2) it must inform the following accordingly—

(a)the social worker,

(b)any person by whom the social worker is employed, or with whom they have an arrangement, to provide services as a social worker or in relation to social work (where known),

(c)any regulatory body with which the social worker is registered (where known), and

(d)where the fitness to practise proceedings were instigated following a complaint against the social worker, the complainant.

Textual Amendments

PART 5E+WAppeals

16.—(1) A social worker may appeal to the High Court against—E+W

(a)the decision of adjudicators—

(i)to make an interim order, other than an interim order made at the same time as a final order under paragraph 11(1)(b),

(ii)not to revoke or vary such an order,

(iii)to make a final order,

(b)the decision of the regulator on review of an interim order, or a final order, other than a decision to revoke the order.

[F41(2) An appeal must be filed before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day after the day on which the social worker is notified of the decision complained of.]

(3) On an appeal the High Court may—

(a)dismiss the appeal,

(b)quash the decision,

(c)substitute for the decision appealed against any other decision that the adjudicators or the regulator (as the case may be) could have made,

(d)remit the case to the regulator to dispose of in accordance with the directions of the court,

and may make any order as to costs as it thinks fit.

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Memorandum

Explanatory Memorandum sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Statutory Instrument and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications. They aim to make the Statutory Instrument accessible to readers who are not legally qualified and accompany any Statutory Instrument or Draft Statutory Instrument laid before Parliament from June 2004 onwards.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources