1.35 Sections 325 to 327B of the CJA 2003 provide the statutory basis for MAPPA. These provisions are summarised below.

Section 325: Arrangements for assessing etc risks posed by certain offenders

This section:

• Defines the RA.
• Requires the RA to make arrangements for assessing and managing the risk posed by those convicted of relevant sexual, violent and terrorist offences.
• Requires other specified bodies to co-operate with the RA in this task, for example by sharing information.
• Provides legal justification for information sharing.
• Requires the RA and these other bodies to draw up a memorandum setting out how they will co-operate.
• Empowers the Secretary of State to issue guidance to RAs on the discharge of their functions.
• Requires RAs to have regard to any such guidance.

Section 326: Review of arrangements

This section:

• Requires the RA to keep its arrangements under review.
• Requires the Secretary of State to appoint two Lay Advisers in each area.
• Requires the RA to publish an annual report on the discharge of its functions.

Section 327: Section 325 - interpretation

This section defines a number of terms used in section 325, including "relevant sexual, violent or terrorist offender".

Section 327A: Disclosure of information about convictions etc. of child sex offenders to members of the public

This section requires the RA to consider disclosing information about the previous convictions for sexual offences against children of a child sex offender to a member of the public.

Section 327B: Section 327A - interpretation

This section defines a number of terms used in section 327A, including "child" (person under 18), "child sex offence", and "child sex offender".