, clearly stating the reasons for reaching the determination. The notification must also advise the relevant person of their right to apply to the Secretary of State for a review of the agency’s determination by an independent review panel. The notification must be clear that any application for an independent review must be submitted within 40 working days of the date on which the agency’s notification was sent. See chapter 1 for information on the independent review mechanism (IRM). 11.60. The agency must note the applicant’s file and take no action with its original determination until after the 40 working day period for applying to the IRM has expired or until the independent review panel has made its recommendation. 11.61. Where no application for a review by an independent review panel has been made the agency may proceed with its decision. It must notify the relevant person in writing of its decision together with the reasons for that decision. 220 11.62. On receipt of the review panel’s recommendation and minutes of the meeting, the agency’s decision-maker must take into account the recommendation before coming to a decision. Once the decision is made, it must be notified to the relevant person in writing clearly stating the reasons for reaching the decision. Counselling: AIR 16 and 17 11.63. The agency has a duty to provide written information on the availability of counselling, but there is no legal requirement for a person to receive counselling before the agency discloses information to them under sections 60-62 of the Act. However, the valuable role that counselling can play is well established. Chapter 12 provides guidance on who should be offered counselling and which body can provide counselling services. Disclosure of information for the purposes of cou