Education Act 1996

16 (1) The chief education officer of the local education authority shall be entitled to attend, for the purpose of giving advice—

(a) all proceedings (including interviews) of the governing body, and of any selection panel appointed under paragraph 6, relating to appointments to which paragraphs 3 to 7 apply, and

(b) all proceedings (including interviews) of the governing body, and of any persons to whom any functions of the governing body under paragraphs 9 to 14 are delegated, relating to appointments to which paragraph 9 applies or to which paragraphs 10 to 14 apply.

(2) The chief education officer shall offer such advice as he considers appropriate with respect to—

(a) the appointment of a head teacher, a deputy head teacher, an acting head teacher or an acting deputy head teacher, or

(b) any matter arising in connection with such an appointment.

(3) If requested to do so by the governing body, the chief education officer shall give such advice as he considers appropriate in relation to any appointment to which paragraph 9 applies or to which paragraphs 10 to 14 apply.

(4) Any advice given by the chief education officer to—

(a) the governing body,

(b) any selection panel appointed under paragraph 6, or

(c) any persons to whom any functions of the governing body under paragraphs 9 to 14 are delegated,

with respect to any matter which relates to an appointment and falls to be determined by them shall be considered by them before determining that matter, whether or not the advice was given at their request.