Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure Installers
Built by industry. Focused on competence.
— ASSURANCE · POLICY 05
Approval, Suspension and Withdrawal Policy
How COFNII grants, maintains, restricts, suspends and withdraws public approval or certification status.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
STATUS
Committee approved 4 July 2026
VERSION
Approved 0.1
PREPARED
4 July 2026
APPLIES TO
Website users, applicants, members, trainers, event attendees, contacts and complainants
COMMITTEE APPROVED - 4TH JULY 2026
This document forms part of the approved COFNII governance framework.
1. Approval is evidence-led
Approval is separate from membership and cannot be bought. It is granted only for the organisation, individual, discipline, service and period shown on the COFNII register after the applicable evidence and assessment requirements are met.
2. Initial and continuing requirements
Verified identity and authority to apply.
Relevant vocational qualifications, technical certifications and current industry experience.
Teaching, assessor or quality-assurance qualifications where the role requires them.
Insurance, equipment, calibration, policies, facilities and quality controls appropriate to the scope claimed.
Successful completion of any COFNII examination, interview, practical observation, audit or evidence review required for the category.
Ongoing CPD, standardisation, truthful public information and cooperation with proportionate surveillance or renewal checks.
3. Conditions and restrictions
COFNII may grant approval with a restricted scope, time limit, supervision condition, corrective-action plan or enhanced review where that response is proportionate and does not create an unacceptable risk.
4. Grounds for suspension or withdrawal
False, altered, misleading or unverifiable evidence.
Work, training or assessment outside the approved scope or without required competent supervision.
Serious or repeated quality, safety, integrity or Code of Conduct breach.
Loss, expiry or suspension of an essential qualification, authorisation, insurance or awarding-body relationship.
Failure to complete agreed corrective action, renewal, CPD, audit or fee requirements.
Improper use of COFNII badges, membership numbers, directory entries or protected materials.
5. Interim suspension and fair process
COFNII may impose an immediate interim suspension where credible information indicates a material safety, fraud, learner-protection, public-protection or evidence-integrity risk. An interim measure is neutral and is not a final finding.
The affected person will normally receive written reasons, the evidence that can fairly be disclosed, the practical effect of the measure and a reasonable opportunity to respond. A final decision will be reasoned, proportionate and communicated in writing.
6. Register, reinstatement and appeal
The public register may show current, restricted, suspended, expired or withdrawn status where necessary to prevent misleading reliance. Historic information will be retained and disclosed only where lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Reinstatement may require corrected evidence, fresh assessment, audit, CPD or a monitored period. Decisions may be appealed under the Complaints and Appeals Procedure.
Questions or adjustments?
Contact COFNII about this policy or request an accessible format.
POLICY OWNER
COFNII Board and Committee
JURISDICTION
England and Wales
NEXT REVIEW
Annually or after material change
UK legal and guidance references
External sources are provided for transparency. The legislation and official guidance in force at the relevant time should always be checked.