Statutory Leave for UK-SBA Members

Statutory Leave Policy for UK-SBA Members

Purpose

This policy outlines the procedure for members of UK-SBA who wish to take statutory leave for up to one year.

Scope

This policy applies to all registered members of UK-SBA who pause their membership for up to one year due to statutory reasons, including maternity leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, parental bereavement, sick leave, or carers' leave.

Policy Overview

Members may apply for statutory leave for up to one year. The leave will effectively pause their membership obligations. Members will be considered “non-practising” while on leave.

The pause allows members time away from professional duties without penalty, while safeguarding professional standards and public safety. After the member returns to active status, their membership date will reset to a date that allows for 12 months of total active membership.

While on statutory leave, the member will not be responsible for accruing continuing education or supervision.

Key Provisions

Statutory Leave
  • Members must apply for leave before the end of their current membership period. A failure to renew your membership may not be claimed as statutory leave retrospectively.
  • Members may take statutory leave for up to 12 months. Any extensions beyond 12 months will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Upon returning to active status, the membership renewal date will reset to allow for a total of 12 months of active membership and certification, excluding the period of leave.
  • During the leave, all membership responsibilities, including completing continuing education and participating in supervision, are suspended.
  • During leave, members may still participate in UK-SBA elections, in the AGM, and will receive membership benefits.
Membership Status

While paused, members:

  • Will remain on the UK-SBA register, but will be considered non-practising.
  • May not practice, provide professional services, or use the PSA badges in their communication.
  • Must refrain from representing themselves as active or practising members.
  • If a complaint is made against a registrant while they are on leave, the complaints panel will work with all parties involved to determine the best course of action. A registrant may have to correspond with the complaints panel or give evidence while on leave.
Returning to Active Status

Before resuming practising status, members must contact the UK-SBA at [email protected] and must demonstrate they hold all safety to practice items. This must be evidenced on their account, and all safety to practice items must be up to date. Safety to practice items include:

  • A UK issued disclosure; issued within three years of the resumed start date by Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland – third-party disclosures are not permissible
  • Safeguarding Training applicable to your role and for the population you serve (children and/or vulnerable adults) completed within three years of the resumed membership start date, and awarded by a UK provider
  • Professional indemnity insurance must be current and provided by a UK provider.
Leave Approval

To apply for statutory leave:

  • Members must submit a request by email to [email protected] before the end of their expiry period and include documentation such as a doctor’s note or Mat B1 form.
  • All requests are subject to review and approval.
Member Responsibilities
  • It is the member’s responsibility to notify the UK-SBA by email to [email protected] when they wish to return to active status.
  • Members must ensure all documentation and professional requirements are met before resuming practice.
Non-Compliance

Members found to be practising or using professional credentials while on inactive status may face disciplinary action, including possible removal from the professional register.