Suspension
Suspension from the Register/Membership will happening the following instances:
- non-payment of relevant registration/membership fee
- non-submission CPD (not receiving it or CPD not demonstrating the expected standards)
- investigations/misconduct
Suspensions due to non-payment of fees or non-submission of CPD will be removed from the register 8 weeks after being given a previous notice (first notice at 4 weeks, final notice at 8 weeks). Regarding instances involving investigations or allegations of misconduct, suspension time-frames are subject to investigation processes and will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Removal from the Register
Removal from the Register can happen in the following instances:
- non-payment of relevant registration/membership fee
- non-submission CPD (not receiving it or CPD not demonstrating the expected standards)
- proven misconduct
Individuals who have been removed from the register can dispute their removal, and have the right to appeal a removal decision. Appeals can be made to registrar@ukbhc.org.uk or to the Professional Director for Registration – registration.lead@ukbhc.org.uk
Further Information Regarding Suspensions, Conditions & Removals
Application of Conditions to a Registered or Member
Conditions may be appropriate where there is evidence of incompetence or significant shortcomings in practice but where the Professional Conduct panel can be satisfied that there is potential for the chaplain/spiritual care professional to respond positively to training and supervision. The purpose is to enable the chaplain to remedy any deficiencies in his or her practice whilst the meantime protecting patients from harm. The chaplain/spiritual care professional will be subject to a future review hearing to determine whether the objectives of any conditions have been achieved. Any conditions should be appropriate, proportionate, workable and measurable.
Suspensions for a Defined Period
Suspension for a defined period is likely to be appropriate:
- For serious misconduct, but not so serious as to justify removal from the register (for example where there may have been acknowledgement of fault and where the panel is satisfied that the behaviour or incident is unlikely to be repeated);
- In a case of deficient performance in which the chaplain/spiritual care professional poses a risk of harm to patients but where there is evidence that he or she has gained insight into their deficiencies and has the potential to be rehabilitated if prepared to undergo a programme of education and training. During the period of suspension, the chaplain/spiritual care professional should not practise as an autonomous practitioner and should not perform on-call duties. [the GMC does not permit doctors to practice during the suspension but allows contact with patients under the supervision of a fully registered practitioner]. The chaplain/spiritual care professional will be subject to a future review hearing which will determine whether the objectives of the suspension have been achieved.
Removals due to Misconduct/Public Interest
A chaplain/spiritual care professional may be removed from the Register to protect patients and the wider public interests. Cases of serious misconduct may lead to removal and include sexual misconduct, dishonesty, a serious failure to act in the patient’s best interest, and a serious failure to meet standards of professional performance. A conviction or caution in the British for a criminal offence, or a conviction elsewhere for an offence which, if committed in England and Wales, would constitute a criminal offence may also be grounds for removal.
Restoration to the Register
Applications for Reinstatement to the Register can be made by individuals who have been removed for more than 6 months, and up to 3 years post removal. Any individual who wishes to re-register after this point must start a new application.
For more information regarding restoration to the Register, please read the Restoration to the Register Policy found here, and review the Restoration to the Register Application form here.