1.3.1 Competent Person

The term ‘Competent Person’ has long been used in legislation. Current legislation uses it for a variety of duties to describe a person with the necessary practical and theoretical knowledge, experience, training, skill and ability to perform the specific duty to which the requirement refers. There can therefore be several ‘Competent Persons’, each with their own duties and responsibilities, i.e. competent for the purpose. The Competent Person should have the maturity to seek such specialist advice and assistance as may be required to enable them to make necessary judgements and be a sound judge of the extent to which he/she can accept the supporting opinions of other specialists. It is the view of LEEA that competency can be a corporate responsibility.