38. (1) The Director General may, with the consent of the Minister appoint—

(a) such and so many of the members of staff of the Commission, and

(b) such and so many other persons,

as he or she considers appropriate to be a mediation officer or mediation officers for the purposes of this Act.

(2) An appointment under this section shall cease—

(a) if the Director General revokes the appointment in accordance with this section,

(b) in the case of a person appointed to be a mediation officer who is a member of the staff of the Commission, if the person concerned ceases to be a member of the staff of the Commission, or

(c) in the case of an appointment that is for a fixed period, on the expiry of that period.

(3) The Director General may revoke an appointment under this section.

(4) A mediation officer shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions.