Commentary on provisions of Act Section 9: Other functions of the Regulator
Section 9 sets out a variety of other functions and powers of the Regulator. Subsections (1) to (3) make provision for the Regulator to prepare and publish guidance or reports on, and provide advice or assistance relating to, forensic science activities in England and Wales. In particular, these powers will be available to the Regulator if he or she considers that a Crown body (such as a government department) is not acting in accordance with the code of practice; the investigative and enforcement provisions in Sections 5 to 8 do not bind the Crown though they do bind the police (Section 12(3) and (4)). The Regulator can provide advice on forensic science activities to persons outside the United Kingdom (subsections (2) and (3)).
	Subsections (4) to (6) require the publication of an annual report about the work carried out by the Regulator. The Regulator must provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State, who must lay the copy before Parliament.
	Subsection (7) sets out a standard provision conferring incidental powers related to the exercise of the Regulator’s functions. The Regulator cannot borrow money.