A member’s standing reflects how the member’s work is experienced by those who rely on it. The Order listens to commendations and to concerns, and records the outcome on the member’s record.
How standing works
Every member starts as a member. Each commendation that the Order accepts adds to the member’s standing; the record shows the standing reached and the number of accepted commendations.
| Accepted commendations | Standing |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Member |
| 5–9 | Recommended member |
| 10–14 | Recommended and trusted member |
| 15–19 | Excellent member |
| 20 or more | Exceptional member |
An upheld concern sets the count back to zero, so the member’s standing returns to member. Commendations are only accepted for experiences that went beyond what was normal or expected, and only from people with first-hand experience.
How concerns are handled
- Receipt. The Order confirms that the concern has been received and checks whether it concerns a member and conduct covered by the Code.
- Investigation. If the concern is taken up, the member’s record shows a concern under investigation, without any details. The Order may ask both sides for information.
- Hearing the member. The member is always told what the concern is about and given the opportunity to respond before any outcome is decided.
- Protecting the person who raised it. The Order keeps that person’s identity confidential as far as the investigation allows. If it has to become known to the member, the Order says so first.
- Outcome. The concern is either not upheld, or upheld. An upheld concern may lead to a reprimand, a sanction, or, as a last resort, removal from the Order. The person who raised the concern is told the outcome.
Outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | On the member’s record |
|---|---|---|
| Not upheld | The Order found no breach. | Nothing |
| Reprimand | A formal finding that the member fell short of the Code. | Reprimand noted; standing back to member |
| Sanction | A measure suited to the case, for example a period in which the member’s standing cannot rise, or redress to the person affected. | Current sanction noted; standing back to member |
| Removal | The member is removed from the Order. | Shown as removed from the Order |
Records never show the details of a concern, who raised it, or the reasons for an outcome. Members who leave the Order for other reasons, such as retirement, have their details removed altogether; a removal following an upheld concern stays on record so that others can see it.