The PASSHE Complaints procedure is designed to deal equitably and transparently with any complaints made against PASSHE members.
The Procedure will relate only to:
- members of PASSHE at the time when the alleged cause for the complaint occurred.
- whether the matters complained of could amount to a breach of specific sections of the PASSHE Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- actual or potential risk to public safety
- whether the matter may undermine public confidence in the profession.
In following the Procedures, PASSHE will endeavour to find and utilise a collaborative approach to solving the difficulties which have led to a complaint, and will promote a fair solution and, where possible, agreeable to both/all parties involved.
Outline of procedures
On receipt of a complaint, the Chair will carry out an initial investigation to:
- gather written information
- clarify the nature of the complaint
- consider the views of both sides
- decide on a response
Personnel contributing to the investigation will be drawn from: Director, Chair/Co-Chairs and Deputy Chair, depending on the nature of the complaint.
If necessary, they will call on additional specialist expertise.
The time scale for dealing with a complaint in this way will be 6 – 8 weeks.
If at this stage a response is agreed, the issue might be resolved by an email/letter from the Chair, containing the agreed response.
If the response is not agreed, or there is an appeal against the decision the issue will be referred to a Panel.
The Panel will be drawn from Director, Chair, Co-Chair, Deputy Chair, PASSHE Executive
Committee Members, depending on the nature of the complaint, and external expertise where necessary.
The Panel will consider written evidence submissions and provide an opportunity for oral presentation.
The timescale for dealing with a complaint in this way will be 3 – 9 months.
