Regulation 26 Report of the panel

(1)

The chair of the panel must prepare a written report which—

(a)

summarises the findings of fact made by the panel relevant to the complaint;

(b)

summarises the conclusions of the panel;

(c)

recommends what action, if any, should be taken to resolve the complaint;

(d)

recommends what other action, if any, should be taken as a result of the complaint; and

(e)

sets out the reasons for the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the panel.

(2)

The report may include suggestions which the panel consider would improve the services of the local authority or which would otherwise be effective for the purpose of resolving the complaint.

(3)

The report must be delivered to the Assembly within 5 working days of the conclusion of the panel hearing.

(4)

Subject to paragraph (5) the Assembly must send copies of the report of the panel to—

(a)

the complainant;

(b)

any independent person appointed under regulation 17 of the Representations Procedure (Children) (Wales) Regulations 2005;

(c)

any person on whose behalf a complaint has been made by a representative;

(d)

the panel members; and

(e)

the Chief Executive and Director of Social Services for the authority which is complained against.

(5)

The panel chair may withhold any part of the panel’s report where, in his or her opinion, this is necessary in the interests of protecting the confidentiality of any third party.

(6)

If the panel chair is unable to make the report available to the Assembly within the time set out in paragraph (3) the Assembly must write to the persons who are entitled to a copy of the report explaining the reason for the delay and when the report will be available.