1.0 Scope
This policy and procedure applies to Seetec Training.
2.0 Policy Aims
This policy and procedure describe the framework and process that operates within Seetec Training.
3.0 Principles of the Policy
3.1 Compliments and Feedback
Definition: Seetec Training defines a compliment as ‘any expression of thanks or positive feedback that relates to Seetec Training and its service’.
Purpose: Receiving compliments supports Seetec Training in recognising and rewarding excellent members of staff; recognising outstanding practice and sharing this to provide a consistently high level of service as they strive for excellence in delivery.
Responsibilities and organisation
A customer’s responsibility is to:
- Take advantage of the feedback opportunities presented to them.
- Communicate and share their experience wherever they feel compelled to do so.
Seetec Training’s responsibility will be to:
- Respond positively and proactively to any compliments received.
- Recognise staff for the excellent practice reported.
- Record or share compliments via the feedback@seetec.co.uk email address.
- Recognise any learning opportunities within the feedback provided e. what our customers want and need.
- Share learning and best practice through the most appropriate vehicle e. Standardisation, monthly comms, staff training etc.
Confidentiality
Except in exceptional circumstances, every attempt will be made to ensure that both the customer and Seetec Training maintain confidentiality. However, should Seetec Training wish to use the compliment to promote their services or share experience, permission will be sought from the customer.
Monitoring and reporting
Any compliments received will be recorded centrally and reviewed quarterly by the Professional Standards, Research and Development team to inform the self-assessment and quality improvement planning processes.
Seetec Training is committed to providing a quality service for its learners and working in an open and accountable way that builds the trust and respect of all our stakeholders. One of the ways in which we continue to improve our service is by listening and responding to the views of our learners, staff, customers and stakeholders, by monitoring compliments received and complaints to ensure we apply learning in our practice.
In receiving compliments about our delivery or service we aim to ensure that:
- Providing feedback is as easy as possible by ensuring a variety of feedback opportunities.
- We recognise the good practice identified and proactively share this across the organisation.
- We seek to ensure this quality is consistent across our service.
Our aims are to:
- Respond positively to all compliments received.
- Recognise the colleagues involved for good practice.
- Use this information, where applicable to inform improvements, development and staff training.
All compliments and feedback received should be notified via feedback@seetec.co.uk .
3.2 Complaints
Definition: Seetec Training defines a complaint as ‘any expression of dissatisfaction that relates to Seetec Training and that requires a response’.
Purpose: The complaints procedure is intended to ensure that all complaints are managed fairly, consistently and wherever possible, resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction.
Responsibilities and organisation
A complainant’s responsibility is to:
- Raise their issue or complaint with a member of Seetec Training staff (ADC, Tutor or contact name provided) to allow Seetec Training to find a resolution.
- If the issue is not resolved, bring their complaint, in writing, to Seetec Training’s attention.
- Explain the problem as clearly and as fully as possible, including any action taken.
- Allow Seetec Training 20 days to respond to the complaint at the initial stage.
- Recognise that some circumstances may be beyond Seetec Training’s control.
Seetec Training’s responsibility will be to:
In receiving complaints about our delivery or service we aim to ensure that:
- We acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 5 working days.
- We respond positively to complaints and correct any mistakes.
- Making a complaint is as easy as possible.
- We treat a complaint as a clear expression of dissatisfaction with our service which calls for an immediate response.
- We deal with it promptly, politely and, when appropriate, confidentially.
- We communicate any improvement action taken as a result of the complaint.
- We learn from complaints, use them to improve our service, and review our complaints policy and procedures annually.
Our aims are to:
- Resolve informal concerns quickly.
- Enable mediation where appropriate between the complainant and the individual to whom the complaint has been referred.
- Provide a written response to the concerns raised.
An informal resolution is encouraged when it can be achieved; however, if concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved informally, then the formal complaints procedure should be followed.
- When an informal complaint is received, details must be sent to TrainingComplaints@seetec.co.uk .
- Where not resolved at informal stage, the Professional Standards, Research and Development team will acknowledge the formal complaint within 5 days of receipt.
- Respond in writing within 30 working days of receipt.
- Deal responsibly and sensitively with the complaint.
- Take action where appropriate.
Confidentiality
Except in exceptional circumstances, every attempt will be made to ensure that both the complainant and Seetec Training maintain confidentiality. However, the circumstances giving rise to the complaint may be such that it may not be possible to maintain confidentiality, with each complaint being judged on its own merit. Should this be the case, the situation will be explained to the complainant.
Monitoring and reporting
Monthly complaints data will be provided to the Seetec Group Business Support Team as required for sharing with the Group Executive Board and with the Director for Professional Standards, Research and Development for sharing with the Group Operational Board.
Any complaints and issues resolved will be recorded centrally and reviewed monthly by the Professional Standards Research and Development team to inform the self-assessment and quality improvement planning processes. Monthly reports to be shared with the Seetec Training Executive Board.
Complaints about 3rd Parties or Partners
When we received a complaint that relates to a 3rd party or a business partner we will:
- Acknowledge receipt of the complaint, within 5 working days.
- Explain who the complaint has been passed to and why.
- Liaise with the complainant and the 3rd Party/Partner to ensure resolution.
- Record the complaint so that themes are recognised and monitored.
Feedback Surveys
Feedback Surveys from participants and employers will be reviewed monthly to ensure that any issues raised are addressed and if appropriate logged as complaints. This would only be with the agreement of the participant or employer. This will be logged as a received complaint once agreement has been reached. If the participant or employer does not agree to cooperate with the investigation, the Professional Standards and Development team may still decide that the concerns require an internal investigation, but this will not be logged as a complaint.
Unacceptable Behaviour
Seetec Training have a duty to ensure the safety and welfare of our staff. We are committed to dealing with all complainants fairly and impartially. However, we do not expect our colleagues to tolerate behaviour by complainants, which is unacceptable. For example, behaviour, which is deemed to be abusive, offensive or threatening, or communication of an unreasonably persistent nature, or with unreasonable demands. We will take the necessary action to protect our colleagues from that behaviour.
4.0 Complaints Procedure
Informal Stage
In the first instance, you should try to resolve the issue informally by contacting the colleague who dealt with you, or their manager, so that they have a chance to put things right. If you make this contact by email or letter you should set out the details of your complaint, the consequences for you as a result, and the remedy you are seeking. Support is available to anyone accessing the complaints process, including, but not limited to providing information and correspondence in alternative languages and scribing support for those that need it. Additional support during the process can be requested and agreed on a case-by-case basis, for example an advocate. This would not be in a legal capacity. Informal complaints will be acknowledged within 5 working days. A written response will be provided within 20 working days of receipt.
Formal Stage
If you are not satisfied with the initial response to the complaint, then you can write to the complaints department at TrainingComplaints@seetec.co.uk who will carry out a full investigation and ensure that Seetec Director of Professional Standards, Research and Development reviews the complaint and the response. You can expect the complaints team to acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days of receipt and respond fully within 30 working days of receipt. Seetec Training’s ’s aim is to resolve all matters as quickly as possible. However, inevitably some issues will be more complex and therefore may require longer to be fully investigated. Consequently, timescales given for handling and responding to complaints are indicative. If a matter requires more detailed investigation, you will receive an interim response describing what is being done to deal with the matter, when a full reply can be expected, and from whom.
Appeal Stage
If you are not satisfied with the Formal reply then you have the option of requesting the investigation is reviewed by an appeal panel, stating the reason why you are dissatisfied with the outcome. You must do this within 10 working days of receiving the formal written response. The request to escalate will be acknowledged within 5 working days. A panel will be convened to review the formal investigation and a written response will be provided, within 30 working days of receipt, to inform you of outcome.
If you remain dissatisfied, customers may be able to seek resolution and investigation using an independent organisation who will function as an arbiter to broker resolution. Contact details will be provided to you at the time of the written response, if applicable.