(1)For the purposes of this Act there is to be an officer known as the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (in this Act referred to as the “Ombudsman”) who is to be an individual appointed by Her Majesty on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament.
(2)Her Majesty may, on the nomination of the Parliament, appoint individuals to be deputy Scottish Public Services Ombudsmen; and in this Act references to a deputy Ombudsman are to any such deputy.
(3)There are to be no more than three deputy Ombudsmen at any time.
(4)The Ombudsman’s functions may be exercised by a deputy Ombudsman if—
(a)the office of Ombudsman is vacant (unless there is an acting Ombudsman appointed under paragraph 5(1) of schedule 1), or
(b)the Ombudsman is for any reason unable to act,
and while exercising those functions the deputy Ombudsman is to be treated for all purposes, except those of paragraphs 3(a), 4, 7 and 8 of schedule 1, as the Ombudsman.
(5)Schedule 1 makes further provision about the appointment, status, etc. of the Ombudsman and deputy Ombudsmen and about other administrative matters in connection with those officers.