---
title: Deregistration
description: "**Deregistration & Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)** Deregistration is a serious step: it removes your approval to foster and legally ends your role as a Positive Aspirations Group foster carer. Our policy—mirroring the **Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011**—is always to work…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/deregistration/"
updated: "2025-07-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Deregistration
---

# Deregistration

**Deregistration & Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)**

Deregistration is a serious step: it removes your approval to foster and legally ends your role as a Positive Aspirations Group foster carer. Our policy—mirroring the **Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011**—is always to work with you to avoid deregistration where possible, but certain circumstances make it unavoidable.

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**When deregistration may be recommended**

- Long-term inactivity with no realistic date for returning to fostering.
- An irretrievable breakdown in the working relationship between your household and the agency.
- An investigation under the **Standards of Care Foster-Carer Investigation Policy** concludes that deregistration is the safest outcome.
- Your annual review recommends deregistration.
- Any act or omission that seriously compromises children’s safety or brings the agency into disrepute.

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**The process—step by step**

1. **Early dialogue** – You will be told at the first indication that deregistration might be considered and given every chance to resolve the issues.
2. **Disclosure of reports** – Copies of all papers going to Panel will be sent at least four weeks before the hearing so you can decide whether to accept or challenge the recommendation.
3. **Fostering Panel hearing** – You (and a supporter if you wish) may attend in person or via Zoom to present your views.
4. **Panel recommendation & interim decision** – You receive these in writing soon after the meeting.
5. **Your options (within 28 days)**
   - **Accept** the recommendation and await the Agency Decision Maker’s (ADM) final decision.
   - **Make written representations** to the ADM explaining why you disagree.
   - **Apply to the Secretary of State for an IRM review** (see below).
6. **Final decision** – If no representations or IRM referral are made the ADM makes a final decision after 28 days. If an IRM is convened, the ADM waits for its recommendation.
7. **Notifications & records** – Should deregistration be confirmed, the agency informs your home authority, the placing authorities of any recent children, and (if relevant) considers a referral to the Disclosure & Barring Service. Your record is retained in line with GDPR and the **Recording Policy**; essential information can be shared with other agencies under the Protection of Children Act 1999.

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**Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)**

You, or any applicant to foster, may ask the Secretary of State for an independent review when:

- Panel recommends **non-approval** of an application.
- Panel recommends **changing terms of approval** and you disagree.
- Panel recommends **deregistration**.

Apply within 28 days of the panel-recommendation letter via:
[https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/independent-review-mechanism](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/independent-review-mechanism)

The IRM assembles an external panel that will:

1. Re-examine the evidence and any new information you submit.
2. Make a fresh recommendation to the agency’s ADM, who then makes the final decision.

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**Key points to remember**

- **Deregistration is the last resort.** Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve concerns first.
- **You will be heard.** Written representations, attendance at Panel, and the IRM all exist to protect your right to a fair process.
- **Deadlines matter.** The 28-day window for representations or IRM referral is set in law.
- **Support is available.** Talk to your Supervising Social Worker, independent advocate or Foster Talk for advice throughout the process.

For full procedural detail, see the **Panel Handbook: Policies & Procedures** or speak to your Supervising Social Worker.