If you have completed all procedures within the College regarding an appeal or complaint, you will receive a Completion of Procedures letter. If you are unhappy with the outcome then you have the option to take your complaint outside the university, to the Office of Independent Adjudicator Higher Education (OIAHE known as OIA).
Who are the OIA?
|
The Office of Independent Adjudicator (OIA) are an independent and impartial review body who investigate student complaints for England and Wales. Their role is to ensure that the student complaint was handled correctly and that the outcome was fair and just. They are approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute as the consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body for Higher Education. They are not a legal body or court and cannot apply any prosecution or legal penalties. |
When can I complain?
|
You must have received a Completion of Procedures Letter (CoP) to take your complaint to the OIA. The CoP is issued to students once they have exhausted all options in the internal processes and are no longer able to further complain or appeal the matter with the College. Once you have received your CoP letter, you will have up to 12 months to submit your complaint to the OIA.
|
How can I complain?
| Please click on the following useful link: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/students/how-to-complain-to-us/ |
What complaints can the OIA consider?
|
Please take a look at this OIA webpage for further information: Can you complain to us? - OIAHE |
How long is the process?
|
The process to resolve your complaint can take anywhere from 3-12 months, the OIA will keep you updated and let you know estimated timeframes. |
Can BBKSU still help me?
|
Yes! Student Union Support will still offer guidance to you through the process. However, once the OIA have made their verdict, we will not be able to help beyond that point. If you need further information or to discuss your case then we can offer you an appointment with one of our advisors. Please complete our case consent form here and we will be in touch to arrange an appointment. |
