Commentary on Sections Section 31 – Schedule 1A Powers and procedure of the National Confidential Forum
109.Paragraph 4(1) empowers the Forum to do anything which is necessary or expedient in order for it to carry out its functions.
110.Paragraph 4(2) specifically empowers the Head of the Forum to determine the procedure of the Forum, having regard to the views of the other members of the Forum. This reflects the leadership role held by the NCF Head.
111.Paragraph 4(3) sets out the requirement that the Forum should have regard to the need to avoid any unnecessary cost to public funds, to participants and others in undertaking its work and carrying out its functions.
112.Paragraph 4(4) provides that proceedings of the Forum will not be invalidated because of a vacancy in the membership or a defect in the appointment of a member.
113.Paragraph 4(5) specifically excludes members of the Scottish Government or other persons authorised by the Scottish Government from taking part in the meetings of the Forum.