Are existing arrangements and local procedures for investigating complaints about further education colleges and higher education institutions effective?
Our experience has been that for research degrees in particular the internal complaints procedures lack accessibility, transparency and fairness at the departmental level to resolve any disputes at an early stage before further non resolvable difficulties arise. The complexity of such cases when it is a matter between two individuals, the student and the supervisor, will rarely get resolved unless there is something in place to deal with the matter at an earlier stage. This will require effective and well informed complaints procedures at local level and institutional level for both the student and supervisor so that they will be applied for their intended purpose. We also express our concern for other taught postgraduates, where our experience has been that for international students in particular, there can be difficulties with understanding and using the complaints system should they need to. It is also important to note issues relating to postgraduates undertaking intensive work pl
