Contracting Out3.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), a social services function may be exercised by, or by employees of, such person (if any) as may be authorised in that behalf by a local authority7 whose function it is.

(2)

An authorisation given to a person by virtue of paragraph (1) may authorise the exercise of a social services function, and a person (or the employees of a person) to whom such an authorisation is given may exercise such a function, only where—

(a)

the function is to be exercised only in relation to persons who are aged 18 or over;

(b)

the function is to be exercised by, or under the supervision of, a registered social worker;

(c)

when the function is not exercised by a registered social worker, the function is to be exercised by a person who has the qualifications or competencies which the local authority considers to be requisite for the exercise of the function; and

(d)

the function is to be exercised in accordance with relevant directions and guidance given to local authorities by the Secretary of State about the exercise of social services functions.