FWH suspension policy change – Consultation

We are running a short consultation to hear from our community before finalising any changes to our suspension policies. Below is the most relevant information to help you understand both the current system and the planned updates. We have shared a feedback form on June 25th directly via an OLH message with all active Food Waste Heroes. 

What is the current FWH suspension policy?

Our current policy uses a combination of warnings, suspensions, and bans depending on the nature and frequency of the rule breach:

• Warnings vs. Immediate Suspensions:

Certain rule breaches result in a warning, such as photographing food on an unsanitary surface or not including a date in the photo. If a FWH receives two warnings within a 6-month period, the second warning results in a suspension from the programme.

More serious infractions, like offering food past its “Use By” date or photographing food directly on the floor, result in an immediate suspension from the app. 

• Suspension Duration:

All suspensions currently last 3 months. After this time, FWHs are automatically reinstated in the programme.

• No Limit to Suspensions:

There is no cap on how many times a FWH can be suspended 

• Permanent Ban

Serious infractions that break our Conduct Policies result in an immediate ban from the FWH Programme (and, in extreme cases, from the app) 

Full FAQs: FWH Food Safety Rules & FWH General Policies

What changes are we planning to make?

We have heard from our community that the length of the suspension (3 months) feels particularly harsh if a FWH has made a mistake, and not received any warnings. And we don’t currently have any way to take action on repeat offenders. We are therefore planning two key updates to make the policy more balanced and effective:

1. Shorter Suspension Period

We intend to reduce the suspension period from 3 months to 1 month

2. Limit on Repeat Suspensions

We want too introduce a cap on repeated suspensions.

If a FWH is suspended a third time within a 6-month window, this would lead to a permanent removal from the FWH Programme.

This approach is designed to continue supporting our well-intentioned volunteers who occasionally make a mistake, while ensuring clearer consequences for those who repeatedly break the rules.

Why are we planning this change?

We've received consistent feedback that a 3-month suspension feels excessive, especially when the rule break was an isolated mistake. Most of our FWHs are well-meaning and committed, and we want our policy to reflect that by offering:

• A shorter, fairer suspension that still gives space to reflect and learn.
• A more supportive approach for first-time mistakes.

At the same time, we believe food safety must remain a top priority. So we want stricter consequences for repeat offenders, giving clarity and reinforcing the importance of rule adherence.

Why are we consulting the community?

This is a topic many FWHs care deeply about. We want to ensure that all voices are heard, especially from both long-standing and newer members of the programme.

Also, we know that frequent changes to the rules can cause confusion. Instead of launching this new policy and adjusting later, we’d rather get your feedback first and make sure the new approach reflects what the community wants and needs.

How can I provide feedback?

We’ve shared a feedback form directly with all active FWHs. Please complete it by Sunday, June 29th, to ensure your voice is heard.