Provision by Provision Commentary Accredited bodies Section 51: Lead signatories and countersignatories
103.This section sets out rules about what the different types of person making an application for inclusion in the register must do in relation to the nomination of a lead signatory and countersignatories (see definitions in subsection (8)). A person seeking registration as a body corporate accredited body must nominate a lead signatory (see subsection (1)(a)). Where that person is seeking registration to countersign applications for Level 2 disclosures, that person may also nominate one or more countersignatories (note that in such cases the lead signatory can also act as a countersignatory – see the definition of “lead signatory” in subsection (8)). Subsection (2) relates to the nomination of a substitute lead signatory or a substitute or additional countersignatory by a body corporate accredited body.
104.Where the accredited body application is made by a sole business proprietor in relation to the countersigning of applications for Level 2 disclosure, that person may nominate one or more countersignatories (see subsection (3)). Where an accredited body is a sole business proprietor and is registered to countersign applications for Level 2 disclosures, the accredited body may nominate one or more countersignatories (see subsection (4)). Ministers may make regulations, subject to the negative procedure, under subsection (5) prescribing the details that must be included in an application nominating a lead signatory or countersignatory. Any accredited body must advise Ministers of any changes in those prescribed details of its lead signatory or any countersignatory (see subsection (7)).
105.Subsection (9) provides that an individual may not act as the lead signatory or countersignatory of an accredited body unless their details are included in the entry for the accredited body in the register of accredited bodies (and Ministers will include these details if they accept a nomination - see subsection (6)).