Governors' suspensions and exclusions panels: using evidence

Find out about the types of evidence you can expect to see as a a member of a suspensions or exclusions panel. Learn how to use them to establish the facts and reach a decision.

Last reviewed on 28 July 2023
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5839
Contents
  1. Collecting and circulating evidence
  2. Common forms of written evidence
  3. Using CCTV footage
  4. Using social media
  5. Using covert recordings

Use the previous guidance for pupils suspended before 1 September 2023

The new guidance only applies to suspensions and exclusions which take place on or after 1 September 2023. If you have ongoing cases, make sure you follow the guidance that was in place when the suspension or exclusion process started.

However, your headteacher should inform parents/carers of their new right to request a remote panel hearing on 1 September, or as soon as possible afterwards (see paragraph 254 of the September 2023 guidance, which makes provision for ongoing cases to use remote panels).

Download the 2022 guidance here:

Collecting and circulating evidence

This is set out in the statutory suspensions and exclusions guidance (September