The Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales Regulations 2012

The overriding objective

6.—(1) The overriding objective of these Regulations is to enable the President or the tribunal panel to deal with appeals and claims fairly and justly.

(2) Dealing with a case fairly and justly includes—

(a) dealing with the appeal or the claim in ways which are proportionate to the importance of the case and the complexity of the issues;

(b) avoiding, as far as the President or the tribunal panel considers appropriate, unnecessary formality in the proceedings under these Regulations;

(c) ensuring, so far as practicable, that the parties are on an equal footing procedurally and are able to participate fully in the proceedings, including facilitating any party to present any appeal or claim without advocating the course the party should take;

(d) using the special expertise of the President or the tribunal panel effectively; and

(e) avoiding delay, so far as compatible with proper consideration of the issues.

(3) The President or the tribunal panel must seek to give effect to the overriding objective of these Regulations when the President or the tribunal panel—

(a) exercises any function under these Regulations; or

(b) interprets any regulation.

(4) In particular, the President or the tribunal panel must manage appeals and claims actively in accordance with the overriding objective of these Regulations.