Complaints and Grievance Policy for BUSU (Bath University Students’ Union) Volunteers
While it is hoped that volunteers will be happy working in their placements, inevitably problems can arise. A complaint may be made against a volunteer, BUSU staff member, placement supervisor or a member of the general public. All complaints will be considered carefully and investigated fully. This policy clarifies the procedure concerning complaints and grievances.
If a satisfactory outcome cannot be reached then the complaintant can take action, as he/she feels fit, in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy.
1. The volunteer should try to resolve the matter with the placement supervisor or person concerned.
2. The complaint should then be taken to the relevant project co-ordinator within the SU to resolve the matter.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved, the volunteer should put the complaint in writing and give this to the relevant Sabbatical Officer.
4. The Sabbatical Officer will then contact the placement supervisor and discuss the complaint. A response will be given to the volunteer within 10 working days.
5. If the volunteer considers the response to be satisfactory then they can choose to continue at the placement (if the supervisor agrees) or can be transferred to a different placement.
6. If the response is unsatisfactory, then the volunteer should give a written complaint to the President of the Students Union who will discuss the complaint with the placement supervisor and provide a response within 10 working days.
7. If the response is still unsatisfactory, the President will explain the next steps to be taken.
1. Students should not discuss any serious grievances with the Project Co-ordinator
2. A written complaint should be given to the President of the Student Union.
3. The President will discuss the complaint with the General Manager, Ian Robinson, and provide a response within 10 working days.
4. If the response is unsatisfactory the President will explain the next steps to be taken. This will normally involve the complaint to be considered by the University Personnel Department.
1. The placement supervisor or member of SU staff should try to resolve the matter with the volunteer.
2. If the matter cannot be resolved, or is of a serious nature, then the placement supervisor or member of SU staff should contact the project co-ordinator within the SU to explain the situation.
3. The project co-ordinator and Sabbatical will arrange a meeting between all individuals concerned to discuss the complaint.
4. The volunteer will be asked not to attend the placement for 10 working days until a response has been provided to all parties involved.
5. If the matter is resolved, the volunteer and placement supervisor/member of SU staff will decide whether the volunteer should return to the placement or be transferred to an alternative placement.
6. If the matter cannot be resolved then the Volunteer Co-ordinator will provide the President of the Student Union with a detailed description of events and s/he will explain the next steps to be taken.
NB: If the complaint is made by the project co-ordinator within the SU the matter will go to the sabbatical for that area as well as to the co-ordinators line manager.
Note: If the Volunteer has been accused of a criminal activity, the relevant project co-ordinator in consultation with the President will contact the police immediately who will then be responsible for investigating the matter.
1. The placement supervisor should try to resolve the matter with the project co-ordinator.
2. If the matter cannot be resolved, or is of a serious nature, then the placement supervisor should give a written complaint to the General Manager of the Student Union.
3. The General Manager will discuss the matter with the project co-ordinator and provide the placement supervisor with a response within 10 working days.
4. If the response is unsatisfactory then the General Manager will explain the next steps to be taken.
Then the Students’ Union Complaints procedure will apply