Remind personnel of suspension guidelines: child's best interests, neutral, avoid long periods

Personnel departments and other persons responsible for disciplinary proceedings within local authorities should be reminded that: (a) in deciding whether or not a member of staff should be suspended following an allegation of abuse to a looked after child, first consideration should be given to the best interests of the child; (b) suspension is a neutral act in relation to guilt or innocence; (c) long periods of suspension are contrary to the public interest and should be avoided whenever practicable; (d) depending upon the gravity of the allegation of abuse, the employment of a member of staff in another capacity not involving contact with children or other vulnerable persons may be an appropriate decision at the time of suspending or finally, having regard to the importance of protecting looked after children from abuse.