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About Us » Corporate Documents » Complaints Procedure
Our aim at Bridgend College is to provide you with an outstanding service in all areas of our provision.
Most people who come to Bridgend enjoy College life and do not experience any problems. However, we recognise that sometimes things can go wrong, and when it does we would like to know about it in order that we can put it right.
If you wish to make a comment of a general nature, whether it is a compliment or complaint and wish to remain anonymous, or do not necessarily wish to have an individual response, then please obtain a Comments Form from Reception and place it in the Comments Box. This box will be emptied weekly; the results summarised and submitted to the College Quality Office.
The aim of the complaints procedure is to give you a quick, but thorough response that answers all of your concerns properly. The College annually reviews the number and nature of all official complaints, department by department. The monitoring and review of complaints contributes to our self assessment process which leads to ongoing improvements of our customer services.
If you would like to make a complaint please see section entitled Complaints Procedure.
Harassment and Bullying
A separate procedure exists for dealing with harassment and bullying. This procedure can be found on the Student Intranet or a copy can be obtained from Student Services.
Examination Appeals
For students, a separate procedure exists for those who feel they have been disadvantaged or unfairly classified in an examination. Such appeals have to be made via the College. Any student who wishes to appeal should first consult their Course Tutor.
Who can complain?
Anyone who uses, or has used, the College's services and facilities. This can be a Higher Education student, Further Education student, Work Based learner, prospective student or a visitor to the College.
(Staff: please note there is a separate grievance procedure for an employee which is managed by the HR Department.)
What can I complain about?
You can make a complaint about any aspect of our services including teaching and training, support services, advice and guidance and college facilities. You can also complain if you feel you have been treated unfairly or inappropriately. If you feel that the service you have received does not meet your expectations then you should follow the procedures below.
How do I make a complaint?
Before you make a formal complaint, it is always a good idea to try and resolve the issue informally, which is why we ask you to follow stage 1 (informal discussion) before making a formal complaint.
If you feel that you lack the confidence to make a complaint you can talk to a Tutor or the Student Welfare Coordinator (who is based in Student Services). He/She will listen to your complaint and help and support you in developing the skills and confidence to deal with your complaint.
If you are a college student you may be able to resolve your concerns informally by talking to a Tutor regarding course concerns or the Student Services Manager regarding student support issues.
If you are a visitor or prospective student you may be able to resolve your concern informally by asking to talk to an appropriate member of staff.
Your concern will be listened to and taken seriously. Every effort will be made to assist you in dealing with your issues. No record of your concern will be kept at this stage.
If you feel that your concern has not been resolved at the informal stage you may make a formal complaint in writing to the Principal's P.A. You should use the formal complaint form which can be found on the Student Intranet or copies are available at all Campus reception areas.
Should you require assistance in writing the complaint, the Student Welfare Coordinator is available to help you.
On receipt of the formal complaint the following steps will be taken:
The Principal's P.A. will log your complaint and send you an acknowledgement of the complaint within 5 working days.
What if I am still unhappy?
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of stage 2 you can move onto stage 3 of the complaints procedure.
In the event that you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint at stage 2, your complaint can be passed to the Assistant Principal (Quality and Curriculum) for final internal review. You should make your request for a stage 3 review of your complaint within 15 working days of receiving the outcome of the stage 2 investigation. Request for reviews received later than this will not normally be considered.
Requests to review the outcomes of stage 2 investigations will be considered in terms of whether any of these conditions are met:
There were procedural irregularities in the investigation of the complaint or;
If the Assistant Principal (Quality and Curriculum) is satisfied that any of the above conditions apply, a further investigation will be undertaken of the complaint. You will be notified of the result of the investigation in writing within 15 working days of receipt of the request for review.
If you are still unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you may appeal in writing to the Principal of the College. You will be invited to attend a meeting with the Principal or Deputy Principal to express your appeal within 15 working days within receipt of your request.
The Principal's decision is final.
Please note: if your complaint directly concerns the College Principal you should send your complaint form directly to: Clerk to the Corporation, Bridgend College, Cowbridge Road. CF31 3DF