Standard - The SMB Chair appoints an appropriate SCR author

20.10 The SMB Chair will appoint an SCR author. The SCR author can be either an independent author, a member of the SMB or a senior manager from the RA or DTC agencies. If local funding will allow, the SMB Chair should consider using an independent SCR author. Given the confidential nature of the work, the SMB Chair should ensure that appropriate vetting and security checks have been carried out when appointing an independent SCR author. The SCR author will chair the SCR Panel.

20.11 The SCR author should:

• have no connection with the case;
• not be involved in the line management of the staff managing or supervising the offender;
• have sufficient knowledge, experience and skills in relation to offender management or management reviews;
• have sufficient operational and management experience to undertake the role;
• have good investigative, analytical, interviewing and communication skills;
• have or gain an understanding of the role and context of the agencies involved in the review;
• have or gain an understanding and knowledge of MAPPA before commencing the SCR report;
• use the SCR Report template (MAPPA O);
• follow the guidance in this chapter.

20.12 The SCR Panel should consist of the SCR author, a senior nominated person from each agency involved and a Lay Adviser. Lay Advisers provide an independent voice on the Panel, ensure that any community issues are addressed and act as a "critical friend" to the professionals. The Lay Adviser role is voluntary and unpaid. Demands on their time should take this into account. The SMB Chair may also include individuals with specialist knowledge where appropriate.