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.
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.
The process—step by step
- Early dialogue – You will be told at the first indication that deregistration might be considered and given every chance to resolve the issues.
- 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.
- Fostering Panel hearing – You (and a supporter if you wish) may attend in person or via Zoom to present your views.
- Panel recommendation & interim decision – You receive these in writing soon after the meeting.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
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
The IRM assembles an external panel that will:
- Re-examine the evidence and any new information you submit.
- Make a fresh recommendation to the agency’s ADM, who then makes the final decision.
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.
