BS 7121-1:2006

Appointed person

person with the training, practical and theoretical knowledge and  experience required to comply with 4.3

Crane supervisor

person who controls the lifting operation, and ensures that it is carried out in accordance with the appointed person’s safe system of work

7.2.1 Crane supervisor

NOTE The appointed person may decide to undertake the duties of the crane

supervisor or to delegate these to another person with appropriate expertise for

the lifting operation.

Hi, the British Standard referred to earlier has been superceded by the Third Edition which came out in 2016. The majority of the information remians unchanged, but ensure you have the most up to date copy.

The British Standard Code of Practice for Cranes states:

In certain circumstances, it might be possible to combine some of the roles of members of the lifting team. However, the combination of roles should only take place following a review of the lifting operation by the appointed person.

All lifting operations should be planned by an appointed person. The combination of roles should only be considered if the person undertaking the combined role has achieved the necessary competence for each role.

I hope that helps.