Commentary on Sections Section 21 – Working collaboratively with ombudsmen, commissioners etc
33.This section applies if it appears to the Commissioner that the subject matter of a standards enforcement investigation (as defined) that the Commissioner undertakes, or is entitled to undertake, relates to or raises a matter which could be investigated by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, the Commissioner for Older People in Wales or the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (all bodies which fall within the definition of “ombudsman” in subsection (6)). In such a case the Commissioner must, if he or she thinks it appropriate, consult the relevant ombudsman about that matter.
34.Where the Commissioner undertakes his or her investigation and the relevant ombudsman also undertakes an investigation into the matter within that ombudsman’s remit, they may do any or all of the things listed in subsection (4).
35.Subsection (7) provides Welsh Ministers with the power to amend the definition of “ombudsman” in subsection (6) by adding a person, omitting a person or changing a description of a person.
36.This section introduces Schedule 3.