Complaints Policy

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction by an individual, whether justified or not. An individual may make a complaint if they feel The Focus Training Group has:

• Failed to provide a service or an acceptable standard of service

• Made a mistake in the way the service was provided

• Failed to act in a proper way

• Provided unfair service

There are three stages to the complaints procedure:

• Stage One - Informal

• Stage Two - Formal

• Stage Three - Appeal

The Focus Training Group encourages learners, staff, employers and customers to aim to resolve any issues or concerns through open and informal procedures in the first instance by speaking to a member of the management team. Any person with a complaint or concern is invited to discuss the matter first with an appropriate member of staff. In the case of learners this could be their Lecturer or Assessors. They will respond with advice and guidance as how to proceed from this point to resolve the issue raised. In the case of staff, this should always be their Line Manager. If the complaint is about their Line Manager, then a member of the Senior Management Team.

If the person is not satisfied with the informal route then they can submit a formal complaint. This can be submitted via one of the below methods;

Telephone: 01752 348980 asking to speak to the Manager on duty

Email: enquiries@tftg.org

Letter: The Focus Training Group, Valley Road, Plymouth, PL7 1RF

• Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged within writing within 2 working days from when the formal complaint is received.

• A member of the senior management team will deal with the complaint and a full investigation will be carried out. This may include further discussions, clarifications or meeting with the complainant.

• We will reply within 15 working days with a full response outlining the outcomes of the investigation in writing. If it is not possible to respond within this time, for example because a detailed enquiry is still taking place, or staff absence etc - we will issue an interim response, explaining what is being done to deal with the complaint and when a full reply can be expected.

• Notify you within 10 working days if the complaint is not upheld, reasons will be given as to why.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome they are entitled to appeal the decision in writing to an appointed person who has no involvement in the complaint or investigation within 5 working days from the date the outcome letter was received. The appointed person should be a senior staff member and have had no substantial involvement in the dealing of the complaint.

All complaints will be monitored and where possible used to improve and develop the services provided by The Focus Training Group.