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.