Universities - Need assistance

Rights guide: need assistance

As a student you should expect your university to provide a supportive environment including appropriate welfare services. If you have a complaint about the support you have received at University your first step should be to talk to the member of staff responsible and give them an opportunity to put things right.

Making a complaint

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, you should make a formal complaint in writing. You can do this through resolver. Include as much detail about your complaint as possible and explain how you would like it to be resolved. Include any evidence relevant to your complaint. You should raise the issue promptly, usually within 6 weeks of the issue occurring.

You may want to ask for a copy of your university’s complaints policy, which should be available on its website. The university should respond promptly to your complaint, usually within two weeks.

Taking things further

If you have exhausted the university’s internal complaints procedure and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can refer your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). The OIA is free for students to use.

Fill in the OIA complaints form and send them a copy of your resolver case file. Include the Completion of Procedures letter from your university that shows you have completed their internal complaints procedure. The complaints form can be downloaded from the OIA website, www.oiahe.org.uk. You must contact the OIA within three months of receiving the Completion of Procedures letter.

If the OIA agrees with your complaint they will make recommendations to the university on what actions to take. They cannot award compensation to students.

Your final option

If you believe the university has acted illegally you can seek legal advice. You can also seek a judicial review of any decisions made by the OIA.

If you need additional advice

You can get help and advice on making a complaint from your local student union or your university’s student advice centre. Information is also available on the website of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator www.oiahe.org.uk.

If you need to submit your issue use resolver for free

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