Others - Making a Complaint

Complete form

The complaint must be made on the Dignity & Respect and Sexual Misconduct Policies Complaint Form.

The complaint should name the person against whom the complaint is raised and the details of the alleged act(s).

Download the Complaint Form and click the “Enable Editing” button to add complete the form.

Preliminary Screening

Preliminary screening is carried out by a Screening Panel who decide on an evidentiary basis, whether the alleged behaviour falls within the definition of Dignity and Respect or Sexual Misconduct as defined in the policies.

If it is found that the behaviour falls within the definition, the Screening Panel may:

(i) recommend if informal intervention should be considered, or

(ii) recommend that the complaint proceed to a formal investigation.

If it is found that the behaviour does not fall within the definition, this will be conveyed to the Complainant with explanation and options for further assistance.

Investigation

The services of an independent investigator may be engaged.  It may at times be appropriate to appoint co-investigators to a complaint.

Terms of reference are provided to all parties in advance of commencement of investigation.

Investigations will be handled with fairness, sensitivity and with due respect for the rights of both the complainant and the respondent.

Indicative timelines will be set out in terms of reference for completion of the various stages of the procedure to ensure the overall timescale is adhered to (as far as is reasonably practicable). Parties will be given reasonable time to consider the documentation and will have an opportunity to respond.

Bounds of confidentiality

All persons connected with the matter must maintain confidentiality. This includes refraining from discussing any aspect of the process, or its existence, with any person, with the exception of their chosen representative /advisor or support.

Breaches of confidentiality by any party are subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures.

There should be no communication in relation to the complaint between the parties concerned, directly or indirectly, outside of the investigation.

Investigation Outcome

If following investigation, it is determined that there is a case to answer, the investigation report will recommend whether disciplinary procedures should be invoked. This may result in disciplinary action being taken under the University’s disciplinary policies.

The complainant will be advised of the outcome of the investigation and if there is a case to be answered or otherwise. They will not be informed of any disciplinary measures that may arise from the case.

Appeal

Either party may appeal the outcome of the investigation. This must be done in writing and within 14 calendar days of the issuing of the initial decision and clearly set out the grounds for the appeal.

The other party will be advised of the appeal.

The Screening Panel will identify an appropriate party to conduct the appeal.

Post investigation

Management/Heads/Junior Dean will also take any appropriate actions, including preventative measures, and/or support for rebuilding relationships conducive to a professional and collegial environment.

Precautionary measures

In appropriate circumstances, interim arrangements can be made to facilitate all concerned parties, where possible, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Students: In appropriate circumstances, a student against whom allegations are made may be suspended from attending campus/class participation, in order to facilitate a thorough investigation. 

Staff: A staff member against whom allegations are made may be placed off duty on full pay, in order to facilitate a thorough investigation. In some circumstances, other precautionary measures may be put in place.

A precautionary measure is not a penalty or a sanction and does not indicate that it has been concluded that the person concerned has committed a breach of discipline.

Precautionary measures may potentially be kept in place following an intervention depending on the circumstances.