The Complaints Policy sets out the different stages involved in the general management of a complaint within Triage.
This Policy is provided in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Please note that whilst the majority of complaints can generally be dealt with within our complaint handling procedures, this is not the case for all contracts. Within some contracts, the contractors require complaints to be referred to them at an early stage and ahead of the completion of the Triage complaints procedures. Where this is the case, this will be made known to the individual making a complaint.
Triage is committed to providing a high level of service to its Participant/Learner and any other persons who are in receipt of services provided by Triage. If our Participant/Learner (clients, participants, and service users) or any other party does not receive satisfaction from us, we need to create an environment where they can tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards.
Complaint Handling Procedures with guidance are provided for staff to ensure the effective implementation of this Policy.
The complaints policy seeks to create a positive approach to complaints as well as providing robust governance arrangements. Complaints are valued as a means to continuously review and improve the services offered by Triage.
A complaint can be defined as being an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance made to staff by a Participant/Learner or member of the public in relation to our business. This can be made either orally or in writing.
Complaints Handling Procedures
Managing Conflict within the Workplace Policy and Strategy
Unacceptable Behaviour (Complainers) Policy
All Participant/Learner are made aware of the Company complaint handling policy rights at their first interview with Triage or at their induction. Staff will check Participant/Learner satisfaction at each interview. If a Participant/Learner has problems or concerns, Triage will seek a resolution before escalation into a more serious situation. Any query or grievance can be raised informally with staff and an explanation sought. In the event this does not resolve the concern, a Participant/Learner may wish to make a complaint which will be addressed initially within the four-stage complaints procedure in place or may be referred to the Contractor in accordance with their guidelines.
THE FOUR STAGE PROCEDURE
The Triage complaints procedure has four stages. These are:
Stage 1
A Participant/Learner who wishes to make a complaint may do so verbally or in writing indicating the nature of the complaint to their Advisor/Trainer where an explanation may resolve the matter for them.
Stage 2
A written complaint (letter, electronic or fax format) or a Triage Complaint Form completed by the Participant/Learner will be forwarded to the relevant Contract Manager, who must seek to resolve the grievance.
An acknowledgement will be provided within 3 working days of receipt and a response provided within 10 working days. If unresolved and/or considered to be sufficiently serious in nature, the complaint should be progressed without delay to Stage 3. In the event a written complaint is received direct by the Operations Director, and it appears to be of a minor nature, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate Contract Manager for their attention within Stage 2 and the Participant/Learner advised accordingly by letter within 3 working days.
Stage 3
When a complaint is referred to the Operations Director, having already been considered within Stages 1 and 2 and it remains unresolved, then the Operations Director will consider the facts and information available. This may require further investigation, seeking a meeting with the Participant/Learner and followed with a written outcome of agreed resolution actions.
The Operations Director will aim to complete all enquiries and respond within 20 working days from the date of acknowledgement. If unable to do so within this deadline, the Participant/Learner will be advised in writing along with an anticipated response date. Further updates will be provided in writing every 10 working days until the investigation is completed.
The Participant/Learner will be advised that is they remain dissatisfied with the complaint outcome, then they may write direct to the Chief Executive Officer seeking a review within 20 working days of their being sent the final response setting out their areas of dissatisfaction and resolution sought
Stage 4
The Chief Executive Officer will acknowledge a request to review a complaint within 3 working days and will aim to complete the review and respond within 20 working days of the date of acknowledgement. If unable to do so within this deadline, the Participant/Learner will be advised of this in writing along with an anticipated response date. Further updates will be provided in writing every 10 working days until the investigation is completed.
The Participant/Learner will be advised that this is the last stage of the Triage complaints procedure and, should they still feel dissatisfied with the outcome, then they have the right to refer their complaint to the relevant Contractor/Partner, or appropriate Awarding Body, or the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) for DWP Dynamic Purchasing Systems Contracts only. Candidates on regulated qualifications can further escalate their complaint to the regulator.
Whilst this policy will support the effective management and handling of the vast majority of complaints, there may be occasions where complainants refuse to accept closure and continue to communicate with the Company beyond the terms of this policy. A separate policy and operational procedure, (Unacceptable Behaviour (Complainer) Policy and Procedure), has been developed to help manage this situation and support Directors.
The management of complaints will be monitored by the Operations Director and an overview of complaints received will be reported at quarterly Board Meetings. The reports will contain a summary of any service issues and action taken to resolve these as a result of the complaints received.
All complaint records will be retained for no longer than 3 years.
The Operations Director will assess the outcomes of the complaints to determine whether any changes in policies, procedures and working practices are appropriate.
This policy is subject to an annual review cycle, to ensure it remains fit for purpose.