The Lay Representative in the Appeal Process is part of the panel. The panel are responsible for reviewing all the evidence submitted and hearing the statements given at the hearing by both appelant and HEEoE. From this there should be a collective descision made with regards to the appropriate outcome.
As a panel member, the Lay Representative should be fair and unbiased and ensure that the process and decision is both robust and transparent.
For further information, please refer to Appeals Powerpoint Presentation, Appeals Guidelines and section 7.121 - 7.152 in The Gold Guide (2014).