5.—(1) The provisions in paragraph (2) are referred to in these Regulations as “the engagement provisions”.
(2) Where any provision of these Regulations requires an authority to comply with the engagement provisions in carrying out any activity (see for example regulation 4(1)(a)), compliance with those provisions means that in carrying out that activity the authority—
(a)must involve such persons as the authority considers—
(i)represent the interests of persons who share one or more of the protected characteristics; and
(ii)have an interest in the way that the authority carries out its functions;
(b)may involve such other persons as the authority considers appropriate;
(c)may consult such persons as the authority considers appropriate.
(3) In reaching a decision under paragraph (2)(b) or (c) the authority must have regard to the need to involve or consult (as the case may be), so far as is reasonably practicable to do so, persons who—
(a)share one or more of the protected characteristics; and
(b)have an interest in the way that the authority carries out its functions.