; and (2) to protect the rights of individuals who seek to file, or do file, a discrimination complaint with the Office. (b) Duties The Board shall— (1) (A) conduct a de novo review with fact finding power, including notice and opportunity for a hearing, of any appeal of a decision made by the Office, including any appeal of a dismissal of a complaint; and (B) issue a written decision within 180 days of receipt of an appeal or dismissal described in subparagraph (A); (2) investigate reports of discrimination within the Department of Agriculture, make findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the findings, and recommend to the Secretary appropriate actions relative to specific findings; (3) recommend improvements to Department of Agriculture policies and procedures to address patterns and practices of discrimination and to prevent further discrimination; (4) conduct regular reviews to assess the compliance of the Office with civil rights, fair employment, and pay equity laws and policies applicable to the Office; (5) provide oversight over Farm Service Agency county committees; (6) (A) assess the progress made by the programs and policies established under this Act and the amendments made by this Act; and (B) submit recommendations for improvements to those programs or policies to the Secretary; and (7) (A) prepare an annual report on the status of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and the treatment of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers by the Department of Agriculture; (B) make each report prepared under subparagraph (A) publicly available