Part 1: Victims of Criminal Conduct Collaboration in exercise of victim support functions Section 16: Guidance about specified victim support roles
Subsection (1) creates a duty on the Secretary of State to issue guidance about specified victim support roles.
	Subsection (2) explains that the Secretary of State has the power to specify these victim support roles in regulations. For the purpose of this section, "victim support role" is defined as a role performed by individuals which provides support to victims of criminal conduct (where the support relates to that conduct).
	Subsection (3) sets out how victim support roles could be described in regulations. The victim support roles named in regulations may be specified by reference to (amongst other matters) -
the circumstances in which the role is performed. For example, a victim support role which provides specialist support for victims of a specific crime type or provides a specific type of support;
the type of support provided in connection with the role. For example, a victim support role which provides advocacy support to victims to engage with the criminal justice system;
the type of criminal conduct in relation to which such support is provided. For example, domestic abuse.
	Subsection (4) sets out that this guidance must cover the key functions of the role alongside recommended minimum expectations and best practice, including training and qualifications. It must also set out best practice for collaboration between the role and those who have functions relating to victims, or any other aspect of the criminal justice system in order to effectively work together to meet the needs of victims.
	Subsection (5) specifies that, where relevant, the guidance must include provision about victims who are under the age of 18 and those with protected characteristics.
	Subsection (6) creates a duty on any person who has a function of a public nature which is related to victims or any aspect of the criminal justice system to have regard to the guidance. This duty will have effect where such a function is being exercised, and the guidance is relevant to the exercise of that function.
	Subsection (7) specifies that the duty to have regard to the guidance - outlined in subsection (6) - does not apply to those acting in a judicial capacity, or on the instructions of or on behalf such a person. This is designed to protect judicial independence.
	Subsection (8) specifies that the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers before issuing guidance under this section, so far as the guidance relates to devolved matters, meaning a matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru were it contained in an Act of the Senedd.