Who should a hearing officer be in relation to the investigation?

A hearing officer should be someone not involved in making the determination of evidence. This ensures that the hearing is impartial and fair, allowing for an unbiased review of the case. The role of the hearing officer is to facilitate the proceedings and ensure that all parties have an opportunity to present their case and arguments effectively. By remaining separate from the investigation or inspection process, the hearing officer can better adjudicate the findings and make recommendations based solely on the evidence presented during the hearing, rather than on any prior involvement.

Additionally, having a hearing officer who can provide explanations for the initiated action contributes to a clear and transparent process, allowing all parties to understand the basis for decisions made during the investigation. This impartiality is critical in supporting the integrity of the investigation and ensuring trust in the outcome.

The inclusion of all these criteria highlights the comprehensive role a hearing officer must play, making it especially important that they are independent of the investigation and have the necessary skills to facilitate a fair process.