Stages and timelines

In general, suspensions for safeguarding reasons have 4 stages. 

Stage 1: Suspension approval

This’s the first step to make the suspension official, so the UK HQ Safeguarding Team can record it in our digital tools. The Suspending Authority and the Approver need to agree on suspending the volunteer, similar to the process for other suspensions.

The Safeguarding Team contacts the Suspending Authority and the Approver to share information confidentially and to get the suspension approved. They then record the suspension in our digital tools. 

In some cases, where there is a statutory agency involved because of an allegation, the Suspending Authority will be the UK HQ Safeguarding Team, with the Approver being the appropriate Lead Volunteer.

If the Safeguarding Team can’t contact the relevant Lead Volunteer and the situation is time sensitive, they may need to escalate the suspension approval to the next Lead Volunteer(s).

You’ll find full details of who can suspend and approve a suspension in POR Rule 16.7.  

Stage 2: Suspension implementation 

Once the suspension is approved, you’ll work with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team to complete all tasks to implement the suspension, such as: 

• Communicating the suspension to the volunteer and other relevant people, maintaining confidentiality.
• Arrange a Liaison Person to support the suspended volunteer.
• Agree who’ll be the main point of contact with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team about the case (the Situation Manager) and how often they’ll communicate.
• Agree on next steps.  

Stage 3: Enquiries 

This stage varies significantly from case to case. There might be internal enquiries and statutory agencies investigations. 

The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will give you the necessary guidance.  

Stage 4: Suspension outcome agreed 

Once the statutory agency involvement concludes and local enquiries are done, you’ll agree the suspension outcome with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team. Together you’ll define what actions are needed depending on the outcome. 

The UK HQ Safeguarding Team ends the suspension when all steps are completed. They’ll register all necessary information on My Membership.