23.Subject to any directions given to the Chief Investigating Officer by the Commission, the CIO has discretion as to whether, when and how any investigation should be carried out.  Such investigations should, as far as possible, be conducted in confidence and may take place whether or not the person whose conduct is to be investigated is still a councillor or member of a devolved public body.  The CIO may arrange for any person to assist or advise him or her in an investigation and may pay such fees or allowances to that person as the CIO, with the approval of Ministers, may fix.  If it appears that an investigation will not be completed within three months, the CIO will inform the Commission, the councillor or member who is the subject of the investigation, and the relevant council or devolved public body.
24.Subsection (6) provides that the CIO, so far as possible, only consider an investigation into alleged misconduct where the allegation is made in writing and signed by the person making the allegation.
Explanatory Notes The Act Part 2 .Enforcement Section 12 Conduct of Chief Investigating Officer’s investigations