Formal Complaints Procedure
The formal complaints procedure is intended to ensure that all complaints are handled fairly, consistently and wherever possible resolved to the complainant's satisfaction.
Company Commitment:
· Acknowledge the formal complaint in writing;
· Respond within a stated period of time;
· Deal reasonably and sensitively with the complaint;
· Take action where appropriate.
Complainant's Responsibility:
· Bring their complaint, in writing, to the Company’s attention normally within 8 weeks of the issue arising;
· Raise concerns promptly and directly with any member of our staff;
· Explain the problem as clearly and as fully as possible, including any action taken to date;
· Allow the Company a reasonable time to deal with the matter;
· Recognise that some circumstances may be beyond the Company’s control.
Confidentiality
Except in exceptional circumstances, every attempt will be made to ensure all complaints are dealt with confidentially. However the circumstances giving rise to the complaint may be such that it may not be possible to maintain confidentiality (with each complaint judged on its own merit). Should this be the case, the situation will be explained to the complainant.
Stage 1
In the first instance, if you are unable to resolve the issue informally, you should write to the member of staff who dealt with you, or their manager, so that he or she has a chance to put things right. In your letter, you should set out the details of your complaint, the consequences for you as a result, and the remedy you are seeking.
You can expect your complaint to be acknowledged within 4 working days of receipt of your complaint. You should get a response and an explanation within 10 working days.
Stage 2
If you are not satisfied with the initial response to the complaint then you can write to the Compliance Manager and ask for your complaint and the response to be reviewed. You can expect the Compliance Manager to acknowledge your request within 4 working days of receipt and a response within 10 workings days.
Our aim is to resolve all matters as quickly as possible. However, inevitably some issues will be more complex and therefore may require longer to be fully investigated. Consequently timescales given for handling and responding to complaints are indicative. If a matter requires more detailed investigation, you will receive an interim response describing what is being done to deal with the matter, and when a full reply can be expected and from whom.
Final Stage
If you are not satisfied with the subsequent reply from Compliance Manager then you have the option of writing to the Director , stating the reason why you are dissatisfied with the outcome. You must do this within 10 days of receiving the written response from the Compliance Manager.
A member of the Board of Directors (or their nominee) will respond normally within 10 working days to inform you of the action which will be taken to investigate your complaint, and when you can expect to hear the outcome of the investigation.
Next steps:
If you are still not satisfied, you can contact the Agencies Inspectorate at the Department
Disclaimer: This is for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Company Bureau for any action taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this . Professional or legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of this. Any and all information is subject to change.
