The Secretary of State, if he thinks fit, may, after consultation with the Lord President, appoint a person (in this section referred to as " the lay observer "), not being an advocate or a solicitor, to examine any written allegation made by or on behalf of a member of the public concerning the Society's treatment of a complaint about a solicitor or an employee of a solicitor made to the Society by that member of the public or on his behalf.

Schedule 5 shall have effect in relation to the lay observer.