3.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), an appointing authority must establish a forum or forums for the whole of the area for which it is the appointing authority.
(2) An appointing authority may either establish a single forum for the whole of the area for which it is the appointing authority or, alternatively, a number of forums, each for such part of the area for which it is the appointing authority as it thinks fit.
(3) The duty imposed on an appointing authority by paragraph (1) does not apply to the area for which it is the appointing authority or to a part of that area if there is in force in relation to that area or that part of that area a direction given by the National Assembly under section 94(8) of the Act.
(4) The appointing authority must discharge the duty imposed by paragraph (1) within one calendar year of the date on which these Regulations come into force.
(5) An appointing authority may, with respect to any area for which it is the appointing authority or part of that area, discharge the duty imposed by paragraph (1) by appointing a forum jointly with one or more other appointing authorities, in accordance with such arrangements as it may make with such other appointing authority or authorities, in respect of an area which includes that area or part of that area.
(6) Where the appointing authority considers it appropriate to establish a forum for part of its area, it must, in considering the area which that forum is to cover, consult with such local authorities and other bodies as it thinks fit.