Student Complaint Policy

We prepare our students for life in modern Britain by developing an understanding of democracy

Introduction

MCM strives for excellence in the services it offers .However it accepts that on occasions individuals will feel the need to complain. MCM will ensure that a set of procedures exists to deal speedily with such complaints in a fair and equitable manner. The intention behind the Complaints Policy and Procedures is to: Improve the service it provides to learners, employers, staff members and the broader local community. Clarify for staff, employers and learners the procedures for handling complaints. Ensure and encourage that the procedures are sensitive to issues of confidentiality. Encourage clients to seek means of resolving problems without further or more formal procedures. Provide where appropriate means of recording both the nature of complaints and the effectiveness of their resolutions Encourage a regular process of monitoring and reviewing records within the quality assurance framework.

Who can complain?

Complains can be made by any of the client groups i.e learners, employers and staff members if and when applicable.

What Can Be Complained About?

Complains can be made by any of the client groups i.e learners, employers and staff members if and when applicable.

Issues Excluded from Complaints Procedures.

Complains can be made by any of the client groups i.e learners, employers and staff members if and when applicable.

Possible Outcomes of Complaints

The possible outcomes are

The Processes of a Complaint

The processes of complaints is a 3 stage process.

Monitoring and Review

We will keep confidential records for all complaints that are dealt with the numbers of these complaints and the types of issues they deal with (but not the names of the individuals or specific courses involved) will be recorded by ourselves.

Training and Support

We will ensure that all persons involved in the implementation of this policy and its procedures will have access to appropriate training and support.

Staff Support

It is recognised that staff who are the subject of a complaint can find it a very stressful experience support will be provided as and when appropriate. If staff are affiliated to a recognised Trade Union they may find it helpful to discuss the matter with their representative they are entitled to via union representation during the investigation of the complaint.

Complaints Procedure

If you have an issue with any persons or procedures relating to the college, please discuss the same with the appropriate person verbally outlining the nature of your concern and trying to resolve it informally. At this stage the complaint may be resolved by discussion or clarification or other suitable means applicable to the complaint rose. At this stage the complaint needs to be resolved very quickly or within a max of 5 working days.

MCM however encourages that all complaints are made in writing for record purposes via The ComplaintsForm.

If your complaint cannot be resolved at stage 1, please notify a senior member of staff within 5 days and a meeting will be arranged. Following the meeting we will write to you with the outcome and the purposed action to be taken.

At this stage we would require the complaint with any supporting evidence to be in writing.

We will hope to produce a response within 5 working days of the meeting however, this could take up to a maximum of 10 days in the event meeting outcomes need to be considered. After which we will inform you of the outcome and what if any action is proposed.

If you are not happy about the response at stage 2 to your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the final committee which will also consist of an independent person.

You may be accompanied by someone at this stage and evidence from stage 2 will be reconsidered.

At this stage the complaint will need to be submitted in writing, if not previously submitted in writing.

You will be notified of the outcome in writing within 15 working days. The decision at this stage will be final. At the end of the complaint process all records of complaints will keep in writing a safe place to ensure confidentiality and a clear audit trail.