(1)The Secretary of State may by order issue a code as regards the conduct which is expected of qualifying employees of relevant authorities in England and police authorities in Wales.
(2)The National Assembly for Wales may by order issue a code as regards the conduct which is expected of qualifying employees of relevant authorities in Wales (other than police authorities).
(3)The power under subsection (1) or (2) to issue a code includes power—
(a)to issue a separate code for council managers (within the meaning of Part II of this Act), and
(b)to revise any code which has been issued.
(4)Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a)such representatives of relevant authorities in England, and of employees of such authorities, as he considers appropriate,
(b)the Audit Commission, and
(c)the Commission for Local Administration in England.
(5)Before making an order under this section so far as it relates to police authorities in Wales, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a)such representatives of police authorities in Wales, and of employees of such authorities, as he considers appropriate,
(b)the Commission for Local Administration in Wales, and
(c)the National Assembly for Wales.
(6)Before making an order under this section, the National Assembly for Wales must consult—
(a)such representatives of relevant authorities in Wales, and of employees of such authorities, as it considers appropriate,
(b)the Audit Commission, and
(c)the Commission for Local Administration in Wales.
(7)The terms of appointment or conditions of employment of every qualifying employee of a relevant authority (whether appointed or employed before or after the commencement of this section) are to be deemed to incorporate any code for the time being under this section which is applicable.
(8)In this section “qualifying employee”, in relation to a relevant authority, means an employee of the authority other than an employee falling within any description of employee specified in regulations under this subsection.
(9)The power to make regulations under subsection (8) is to be exercised—
(a)in relation to England, by the Secretary of State, and
(b)in relation to Wales, by the National Assembly for Wales.