Explanatory note

These Regulations make provision concerning the membership and procedure of NHS Direct (“the Authority”), a Special Health Authority established under the National Health Service Act 1977 by the NHS Direct (Establishment and Constitution) Order 2004.

In particular, these Regulations provide for the appointment and tenure of office of the chairman and members of the Authority (regulation 2), for disqualification for appointment (regulations 3 and 4) and for the termination of office (regulation 5). Also included is provision relating to the appointment of a vice-chairman (regulation 6), the appointment of, and exercise of functions by, committees and sub-committees (regulations 7 and 8), the conduct of proceedings (regulation 9 and the Schedule) and disability on account of a conflict of interest (regulation 10).

Provision is also made for requiring the Authority to furnish reports and certain other information to the Secretary of State (regulation 11) and for requiring presentation of an annual report at a public meeting (regulation 12).