Government bodies

Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland

Website of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS) an independent body with responsibility for the regulation of appointments to Scotland’s public bodies. There is information on the appointments process and guidance for people thinking of applying to be a Board Member of a public body. Full text copies of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments and OCPAS’s equality and diversity strategy can be viewed on the site.

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)

The Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland is part of the Scottish Court Service; it was set up under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Its role is to supervise those who have been appointed to manage the financial or property affairs of adults who lack the capacity to do so for themselves. The site gives guidance on powers of attorney, access to funds, intervention orders and guardianship orders. There are forms to download and a link to the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

Office of the Queen’s Printer for Scotland

The Office of the Queen’s Printer for Scotland is responsible for Crown copyright and database rights relating to the work of the Scottish Government. The site provides full text access to Scottish legislation (Acts of the Scottish Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Explanatory Notes) as originally enacted from 1999 onwards. Free RSS feeds are available for accessing legislation added to the site in the last three days. There are links to UK Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments (from 1988 onwards) which apply exclusively or primarily to Scotland.

Pensions Appeal Tribunal Scotland

Website of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals for Scotland. These Tribunals hear appeals from ex-servicemen or women who have had their claims for a war pension rejected by the Secretary of State for Defence in Scotland. The site has a selection of FAQs on how to make an appeal and a medical appendix providing definitions for a range of medical conditions.

Accountant in Bankruptcy

The Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) is an agency of the Scottish Government, with responsibility for supervising and regulating the process of bankruptcy in Scotland. The website has guidance for people who are owed money, people at risk of bankruptcy, money advisors and legal practitioners dealing with insolvency cases. Legislation covering bankruptcy in Scotland, forms, consultations and reviews are also provided. A register of insolvencies is available to search, following free registration.

Crofting Commission

Website of the Crofters Commission, an organisation established in 1955 to develop and regulate the crofting system and to promote and protect the interests of crofters. Crofting is a system of land tenure, regulated through the Crofting Acts, found only in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This site provides information on the role and functions of the Commission and on becoming a crofter. Publications of the Commission, including leaflets, can be viewed n the site. Forms, legislation and policy guidance can also be downloaded.

General Teaching Council for Scotland

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is a statutory organisation and the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland. It aims to improve teaching and learning, enforce existing standards and act as an advocate for the teaching profession in Scotland. Users can find out how to register as a teacher training candidate, more about Initial Teacher Training, post-qualification probation and Continuing Professional Development.

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales

Website of the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) the independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales. The HIW is part of the Welsh Assembly Government and has responsibility for reviewing and inspecting NHS and independent healthcare organisations. The site has HIW publications including reviews, inspection reports and corporate documents which can be downloaded in full text along with links to related legislation.

Planning Inspectorate (Wales)

Website of the Planning Inspectorate for Wales. This organisation is responsible for the processing of planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into local development plans. The site has information on how to make an appeal and sections dealing with the different types of appeals that can be made. These include planning appeals, high hedges appeals, listed buildings, rights of way, enforcement appeals and access appeals. Forms relating to planning appeals in Wales can be downloaded from the site and there is a page of planning web links.

Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales

The Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales (SENTW) considers appeals from parents of children, with special educational needs, against decisions of Welsh Local Authorities. The site has information on the make up of the Tribunal and its powers. Annual reports are provided back to 2003/4 containing statistical information about the type of appeals dealt with by the SENTW. A page of related web links is also given.

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