269.Paragraph 9(1) allows the Scottish Ministers to appoint a person to step in and perform the function of chair of the review oversight committee where it is unable to be fulfilled by either the chair or the deputy chair (either because the role is vacant or because the person is unable to act). This appointment could be made from among the other individuals on the committee, but it could equally be someone who is appointed to the committee on a temporary basis specifically for that purpose (for example, a temporary appointment could be made from the reserve list of candidates identified in the most recent interview round).
270.No equivalent provision is made in relation to the chairs of case review panels as the fact that there is a pool of individuals who are able to act as such chairs (see section 15(2)) will allow another chair to step in and fill any gap.
271.Paragraph 9(2) provides that an individual who is disqualified for appointment as the chair of the committee cannot be appointed as the acting chair. This means that anyone who is disqualified under paragraph 3(1) would be ineligible. Someone who had already served a full 8 years as chair would also be ineligible for appointment as chair and therefore would be unable to be appointed as the acting chair. Further, the rules on those who Ministers are discouraged from appointing apply equally to the appointment of an acting chair.
272.Paragraph 9(3) provides that an individual appointed as acting chair may be dismissed by the Scottish Ministers at any time, may resign at any time, and is appointed on such terms and conditions (including as to remuneration) as Ministers determine.
Schedule – Domestic Homicide Or Suicide Reviews: Public Appointments Paragraph 9 – Review oversight committee: appointment of temporary chair