You should put in place deputy arrangements in case you are unable to act personally as RO. You may appoint deputies to discharge all or any of your duties and this can be for a limited time period or until further notice.1
In the case of a constituency that covers more than one local authority, you may wish to agree and formalise delegation of roles and responsibilities from the RO by appointing any LROs or officers from any other local authorities in the constituency to act as Deputy Returning Officers with specific powers.
Any appointed deputies should have the skills and knowledge required to carry out the functions they have been assigned such as assisting with the receipt of nomination papers, managing the postal vote process or adjudication of doubtful ballot papers.
You must confirm any appointments in writing and include details of the functions that the deputy is authorised to exercise on your behalf.2
The acceptance should also be made in writing.
A Deputy is liable, in the same way as the RO for a breach of official duty.3