The following section is inserted after section 7 of the Principal Act:

"7A.

(1) External reporting channels and procedures shall include the following:

(a) acknowledgement, in writing, to the reporting person of receipt of the report not more than 7 days after receipt of it, save where the reporting person explicitly requested otherwise or the prescribed person reasonably believes that acknowledging receipt of the report would jeopardise the protection of the identity of the reporting person;

(b) diligent follow-up by the designated person, which shall include at least the following:

(i) the carrying out of an initial assessment, including seeking further information from the reporting person if required, as to whether -

(I) there is prima facie evidence that a relevant wrongdoing may have occurred, and

(II) the report concerns matters that fall within the scope of the matters for which the prescribed person has responsibility by virtue of the functions conferred on the prescribed person by or under this or any other enactment;

(ii) if, having carried out an initial assessment, the prescribed person decides that there is no prima facie evidence that a relevant wrongdoing may have occurred -

(I) closure of the procedure, and