Purpose
GARC welcomes legitimate concerns and complaints as part of institutional accountability and continuous improvement.
What May Be Raised
Concerns may relate to:
- research conduct;
- publications;
- participant experience;
- privacy or information handling;
- professional conduct;
- conflicts of interest;
- partnerships;
- accessibility;
- institutional communications;
- other activities undertaken in GARC's name.
Principles
Complaints should be handled:
- respectfully;
- impartially;
- proportionately;
- confidentially where practicable;
- without inappropriate retaliation;
- with appropriate records.
Submission
Complaints and concerns should be submitted through GARC's official contact channels with enough information to identify the issue.
Anonymous concerns may be considered where sufficient information is available, although anonymity may limit investigation.
Review Process
Depending on the issue, GARC may:
- acknowledge the concern;
- clarify the relevant facts;
- identify the appropriate person to review it;
- request additional information;
- assess evidence;
- determine appropriate action;
- communicate an outcome where appropriate.
GARC aims to acknowledge substantive complaints within five business days where practicable.
Complex research, safeguarding, legal, or third-party matters may require additional time.
Escalation
Serious concerns may be escalated to appropriate institutional leadership, independent reviewers, partner institutions, ethics bodies, professional bodies, regulators, or authorities where required.
Outcomes
Possible outcomes may include:
- explanation;
- correction;
- policy or procedural improvement;
- additional review;
- publication correction;
- project modification;
- escalation;
- no further action where a complaint is unsupported.