Do you have a complaint?
Whilst we try to ensure that your time as part of a society is positive, we also know that sometimes things can go wrong.
BCUSU has a general complaints procedure for members which is explained in detail in our bylaws. It includes the procedure for submitting your concerns about any area of the organisation.
Below, we've pulled together specific information about raising concerns as part of a society with a link to the complaint form. Make sure you read the guidance before you submit the form.
Informal Resolution
Where appropriate, we would recommend trying to solve your grievance informally in the first instance.
Each committee should have a Participation and Inclusion Officer, who's role includes ensuring all members are able to access the society and feel included and supported within it. We'd reccomend getting in touch with them to explain where things are going wrong as a first step.
Alterantively, you can book a meeting with your coordinator who may be able to offer a simple resolution, which could involve speaking to the committee or moderating a conversation between the parties involved.
Formal Complaint
If the informal route doesn't work, or if you feel that it's not appropriate for the complaint you wish to raise, then you can formally raise your concerns to the Students' Union.
🖊 Submit a formal complaint
This process should only be used for complaints about the way a society is run or the conduct of society members.
If you feel you have experienced issues such as bullying, harassment, hate crime or sexual misconduct then you should submit your complaint via the university's Report + Support service.
To enable us to investigate fairly, complaints about societies made to the Students' Union cannot be sent anonymously - your name and email address will be collected by when you submit the form. You can ask not to be named as part of the investigation, however we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality if a complaint relates to a specific incident where you could be identified.
Once submitted, the complaint will be passed to the Activities and Representation Manager for investigation. They will book a meeting to speak with you and then do the same for the other parties involved.
Following those meetings, the approved minutes and any supporting evidence will be attached to a summary and sent to an independent panel to make a decision. This panel will be comprised of a variety of members of BCUSU staff and they will come to a decision about what steps to take.
The result will be communicated to both parties, who each have a right of appeal if they feel the outcome isn't fair or correct.
Please note: this process should be followed for complaints specifically about a BCUSU society (or its members). If you have a complaint about a member of BCUSU staff, this should be addressed via email to su.peopleandculture@bcu.ac.uk.