Regulation 16 Hearing to be in public

The hearing must be in public except where the Secretary of State is satisfied that, either because the subject matter to be considered by the appointed person relates to intimate personal or financial circumstances, is commercially sensitive, or consists of information communicated or obtained in confidence, or for any other reason, it is fair and reasonable for the hearing, or any part of the hearing, to be conducted in private.

Whether or not the hearing is held in public, a member of the Council on Tribunals or its Scottish Committee is entitled to attend the hearing and may remain present during the deliberations of the appointed persons but must not take part in the hearing or in those deliberations.