The Fostering Services Regulations 2002

Notice of absence

45.—(1) Where the registered manager proposes to be absent from the fostering agency for a continuous period of 28 days or more, the registered person shall give notice in writing to the Commission of the proposed absence.

(2) Except in the case of an emergency, the notice referred to in paragraph (1) shall be given no later than one month before the proposed absence is to start, or within such shorter period as may be agreed with the Commission, and the notice shall specify—

(a) the length or expected length of the proposed absence;

(b) the reason for the proposed absence;

(c) the arrangements which have been made for the running of the fostering agency during that absence;

(d) the name, address and qualifications of the person who will be responsible for the fostering agency during the absence; and

(e) the arrangements that have been made or are proposed to be made for appointing another person to manage the fostering agency during the absence, including the proposed date by which the appointment is to start.

(3) Where the absence arises as a result of an emergency, the registered person shall give notice of the absence within one week of its occurrence, specifying the matters mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph (2).

(4) Where the registered manager has been absent from the fostering agency for a continuous period of 28 days or more, and the Commission has not been given notice of the absence, the registered person shall without delay give notice in writing to the Commission specifying the matters mentioned in paragraph (2).

(5) The registered person shall notify the Commission of the return to duty of the registered manager not later than 7 days after the date of his return.