If a local authority are looking after a child, they must appoint an individual as the independent reviewing officer for that child's case.

The initial appointment under subsection (1) must be made before the child's case is first reviewed in accordance with regulations made under section 26.

If a vacancy arises in respect of a child's case, the local authority must make another appointment under subsection (1) as soon as is practicable.

An appointee must be of a description prescribed in regulations made by the appropriate national authority.