Governors' suspensions and exclusions panels: procedures

As a governor, you'll most likely be asked to consider a suspension or exclusion at some point. Read about the procedures to follow when sitting on the governors' panel.

Last reviewed on 7 August 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5030
Contents
  1. Governors' role in suspensions and exclusions
  2. Set the date and time within the statutory limits
  3. Hold the panel virtually if parents have requested it
  4. Send out the papers and evidence
  5. Know who must, and may, attend
  6. Deal with disruptions
  7. Take minutes
  8. Consider these points when making a decision
  9. Notify parties about the decision
  10. Ensure the pupil's name is removed from the school register, where appropriate

Use the previous guidance for pupils suspended or excluded 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 and 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:

Suspensions and exclusions guidance 2022

Unless stated otherwise, the information in this article is taken from the Department for Education's statutory guidance on suspension and permanent exclusions (in force from September 2023). 

As a governor, it’s very likely you’ll be asked to consider a suspension or exclusion at some point

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