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Policy

The Australian College of Weight Management & Allied Health is committed to responding to the need of Students and providing the service expected by Students.  In the event that Students are not happy with any aspect of the service received we would like the opportunity to address the issue. We encourage Students to contact us with any concern or cause for dissatisfaction (complaints) or if they disagree with a decision made by the RTO, including a result that has been decided in regards to an assessment outcome, hardship outcome or other matter (an appeal).

The complaints and appeals process must be made publicly available via the RTO’s website.

Complaints Procedure

Complaints are the expression of the dissatisfaction with the quality or any aspect of the business operations and service, including nuisances, discrimination or similar against another person, inclusive of Students, Staff and Contractors.

The following are examples of issues for which Students may lodge a complaint:

  • enrolment
  • training delivery
  • training and/or assessment, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • any other activities associated with the delivery of training and assessment services
  • issues such as discrimination, sexual harassment, participant amenities, etc.

 

First instance:  Students are encouraged to speak immediately with their Trainer. If the Participant is not comfortable addressing the issue with the Trainer, they are encouraged to contact the RTO Manager.

Second instance: If the issue is not resolved the Student is encouraged to either speak to or contact in writing the CEO.

Third instance: If the matter is still not resolved an independent third party will be requested to assist with resolution. Third parties may include relevant training representative(s), legal representative(s) e.g. Anti-discrimination board or other relevant personnel.

Outcomes of complaints will be provided to the Participant in writing within fifteen (15) working days of the decision.

In the event that a complaint has been lodged an Incident/Complaint Form must be completed and forwarded to the RTO Manager immediately, even if the situation has been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

Fourth instance: If the Participant is not satisfied with the outcome of this procedure, they should be advised of their right to contact the training ombudsman in their state.

All complaints, irrespective of the outcome must be recorded in the Complaints Register detailing:

  • Date of complaint
  • Participant name
  • Complaint details
  • Complaint outcome
  • Outcome date

If at any point throughout the complaint it is anticipated that the process will take longer than 60 days the person submitting the complaint will be advised of the delay and the reason for the delay.

The Complaints Register is to be managed and maintained by the RTO Manager. Complaints must be updated within the register as soon as is possible, no later than two (2) working days after the complaint is received. The outcome of the compliant must be recorded in the Complaint Register soon as possible, no later than two (2) working days after the outcome determined.

The Complaints Register is to be saved electronically in the RTOs management file in the “Complaints” folder in “Complaint and Appeals.”

A review of the complaint is to be undertaken and actions implemented to reduce the likelihood of the same complaint being reported in the future.

 

Appeals Procedure

Appeals are the expression of the dissatisfaction with a decision made by the RTO, including an assessment result.  There are various grounds for lodging appeal. These include, but are not limited to:

  • assessment results
  • refused refund
  • refused requests for an extension
  • hardship applications

 Step 1

If the participant is not satisfied with a decision made by the RTO, they must complete the Appeals Form – Part A and forward to the RTO Manager.

(To be submitted within 5 days of receiving a result)

 Step 2

The decision is to be reviewed by a different a party other than the person who made the decision, findings of the review are to be summarised on the Appeals Form. The participant is to be advised of the appeals outcome within ten (10) working days.

(This should occur within ten 10 working days of Step 2)

Step 3

If still not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal, the appeal is to be reviewed by the CEO. The CEO will send an acknowledgement letter to the participant, record receipt of the Appeals Form, then conduct the review. The CEO, if necessary, will convene a review panel to thoroughly examine the appeal.

(Students are to be advised of the outcome within ten (10) working days).

In the event that it is going to take more than 60 days to review the compliant the participant will be notified in writing and how long it should take before a decision is made.

Step 4

If the Participant is not satisfied with the outcome of this procedure, they should be advised of their right to contact the training ombudsman in their state.

If at any point throughout the appeal it is anticipated that the process will take longer than 60 days the person appellant will be advised of the delay and the reason for the delay.

Implementation

  1. All Employees/Contractors and prospective Students are provided with a copy of the Complaints and Appeals Procedure in the Staff and Participant’s Handbook.
  2. All appeals against assessment must be lodged within five (5) working days of receipt of the outcome.
  3. All complaints and appeals are to be handled professionally and confidentially in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
  4. All parties are to have a clear understanding of the steps involved in the procedures.
  5. Each Participant will be provided with the opportunity to present his or her case at each stage of the process.
  6. All complaints and appeals will be managed fairly and equitably and as efficiently as possible.
  7. All discussions relating to formal complaints and appeals are to be recorded in writing and the Appellant/Complainant provided with a written statement of the outcomes, including reasons for the decision.
  8. Australian College of Weight Management & Allied Health will provide Trainers and/or Students with details of external authorities that they may approach with respect to their complaint if required.
  9. This policy provides an avenue for most complaints and appeals to be addressed. However, in some cases, alternative measures may need to be explored.
  10. Australian College of Weight Management & Allied Health will encourage all parties to approach a complaint or appeal with an open view and attempt to resolve issues through discussion and conciliation. Where resolution cannot be achieved through discussion and conciliation Australian College of Weight Management will acknowledge the need for an appropriate external and independent agent to mediate between the parties.
  11. Once finalised a review of the appeal is to be undertaken and actions implemented to reduce the likelihood of the same issue occurring in the future.
  12. Records relating to the complaint or appeal including the associated registers are to be securely retained.

Supporting documents