Commentary on Sections Section 31 – Schedule 1A Schedule 1A – Part 4 – Conduct of Hearings
124.Part 4 sets out how the hearings of the Forum will be conducted.
125.Paragraph 8(2) requires the Forum to make arrangements for participants to give testimony, either at a hearing of the Forum or by other means whether in writing or orally.
126.Paragraph 8(3) requires that at least two members of the Forum be present at a hearing and that hearings be held in private.
127.Paragraph 8(4) explains that a Forum hearing is defined as being “private” provided no one other than the person giving testimony, anyone accompanying that person and members of the Forum and Forum staff are present.
128.Paragraph 8(5) enables the Forum to determine its own procedures for hearing testimony, otherwise than is provided for in paragraph 8. This is subject to the duty to avoid any unnecessary cost to public funds, participants or others in undertaking its work and carrying out its functions.