(1) Within 30 days after receiving a complaint or within a further period fixed under subsection (3), the Council shall decide whether, and to what extent—
(a) to accept the complaint; or
(b) subject to subsection (4), to reject the complaint; or
(c) to refer the complaint to another person.
(2) To enable the Council to make a decision under subsection (1), the Council may make such inquiries as the Council considers appropriate.
(3) If the Council considers that—
(a) a complaint is unduly complex; or
(b) a complaint can be satisfactorily resolved within a further period fixed by the Council,
the Council may fix a further period of not more than 30 days for the purpose of subsection (2).
(4) The Council shall reject a complaint—
(a) which in the Council's opinion is frivolous, vexatious, trivial or does not warrant investigation;
(b) about an incident which occurred more than 6 months before the complaint is made if in the Council's opinion the person who made the complaint has not shown good reason for the delay; or
(c) when asked, the complainant does not—
(i) confirm the complaint in writing, or
(ii) give more information about the complaint within the time fixed by the Council.
(5) The Council shall investigate a complaint if it is satisfied that the person making the complaint or the person on whose behalf the complaint is being made has taken all reasonable steps to resolve the matter with the Non-Governmental Organization or the member, officer, trustee or director of the Non-Governmental Organization.
(6) If a complainant raises issues which in the Council's opinion, requires investigation by another person, the Council may refer the complaint to the appropriate person.