Complaints

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AGAINST

TEACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF

A complaint is defined as a written complaint signed by the complainant. Anything else is a concern and will be dealt with appropriately by the Principal and Deputy Principal. While formal procedures are available as a last resort, every effort should be made by all concerned to resolve the matter informally. The Principal, and the senior teacher, where relevant, has a key role in facilitating such a resolution

-              All complaints about a staff member shall be dealt with as set out in the Teacher’s E.C.

-              All complaints against a staff member shall be referred in the first instance to the Principal.

-              Copies of the letter of complaint should be given to the teacher for a written response.

-              Where the principal has been unable to resolve the complaint, the complaint should be made in writing to the Board of Trustees and be signed by the complainant.

-              The Board and Principal will consider the staff member’s written response and after considering all information, make a decision.

-              The Board and Principal will acknowledge the complaint and inform the complainant in writing on resolution.

-              Where the Board and Principal considered a resolution is reasonable and effective, the complainant should be advised by the Board that no further action is intended.

-              In the case of allegations that may have disciplinary implications, the Board should convene a Committee to investigate and report on the substance of the complaint. Such a Committee including the Principal, will include a professional or union representative nominated by the staff member, as well as a professional or STA adviser selected by the Board.

-              The Committee should report in writing to the Board detailing all parties consulted and the content of any written submissions. The Committee should make a recommendation to the Board.

-              The staff member should be invited to respond to the recommendation.

-              In discussion at a Board meeting the staff member’s response, the staff member may make a statement, answer questions, but not be present during the discussion on action of the complaint.

The staff member may be represented at all meetings with the Board, or Committee of the Board, by a professional or union advocate of his/her choice. All business concerning the complaint and action resulting from it will be held “in committee”.

-              Any member of the Board of Trustees who is personally involved in the complaint shall take no part in the discussion about it, but may submit a statement on the matter.

No person with any personal involvement in the complaint shall be a member of any committee or inquiry