Lay representatives, supporters and exclusions
A client may have a lay representative or a ’supporter’ during the proceedings. Where this is the case, the tribunal should be notified before any hearing takes place.
The representative can participate in the hearing as though they were the client, with some exceptions.
A supporter cannot participate as much as a representative and they cannot represent the client. They can offer moral support and take notes.
The tribunal can order that a person is not to act as a supporter or lay representative of a client if:
1Sch rr10 and 11 FTTSHPC(P) Regs•it believes the supporter is an unsuitable person to act as a supporter/representative (whether generally or in the proceedings concerned); or
•it is satisfied that to do so is in the interests of the efficient administration of justice.
Ensure that if your client needs a representative or supporter that they have had some training on the procedures of the tribunal.