(1) The head of a public body may authorise such and so many officers of the body as he or she considers appropriate (referred to in this Act as "inquiry officers") to perform the functions conferred on inquiry officers by this section.

(2) The head of a public body shall draw up procedures in relation to the making and investigation of complaints and such other matters relating to complaints as he or she considers appropriate and shall cause the procedures to be published.

(3) An inquiry officer shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions.

(4) Following the receipt of a complaint by the head of a public body under section 38, he or she shall refer the matter to an inquiry officer.