Appendix GA11a
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH SUPERVISION COMPLAINT FORM
First stage of formal complaints procedure
This form is only to be used by a postgraduate research student who wishes to raise
legitimate concerns about their supervision. Postgraduate research students who wish to
raise a complaint about a related academic service or a related support service should use the
standard procedures for student complaints
The University operates an informal complaints procedure and a formal complaints
procedure (which consists of a number of stages). Postgraduate research students should
raise issues about supervision through the informal procedures in the first instance and
should only use this form if it has not been possible to find a remedy to the complaint or if
the student is dissatisfied with the proposed remedy under the informal procedures.
Before completing this form, students should read the University’s Procedures for Postgraduate
Research Student Complaints about Supervision. This form cannot be used for postgraduate
research student complaints about related academic services or related support services.
Complaints of this nature are covered by the standard procedures for student complaints. The
form does not apply to student complaints about the behaviour or conduct of other students.
Complaints of this nature should be raised with the Director of Student Services in the first
instance.
Students are reminded that the Student’s Union can be approached at any time for advice and
support on any issue and that the University is able to give formal consideration to complaints
channelled through the Student Union.
This form should be typed, or completed in black ink and sent to the Academic Office (Ref: PGR
Supervision Complaint – Stage One). All sections of the form must be completed. Students are
advised to keep a copy of the form as this will be referred to in cases where a complaint proceeds
to the second stage of the formal complaints procedure.
SECTION A: Student Details
Student Name:
Student Number:
Contact Address:
Contact Telephone Number:
E-mail address:
Programme of Study:
Award Title (e.g. PhD, MPhil):
Faculty/School/Centre:
Campus:
Please note that this form will be forwarded to the Chair of Research Degree Committee
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SECTION B: Details of complaint and desired outcome
Details of complaint
Please state exactly the nature of your complaint. Indicate any events, dates or times that you feel
are relevant. List any University documentation that you feel has been contravened.
(this box will expand as you type)
Supporting evidence.
List and describe the documentation which you have attached in support of your statement (please
note that the University will NOT seek evidence on your behalf – it is your responsibility to do this).
The University reserves the right to check on the validity of the document(s) you submit by
contacting the third party directly.
(this box will expand as you type)
(Please do not state that “xxx is available if needed” - If you list documentary evidence to support
this claim you ARE required to submit it).
Desired outcome
Please outline, without prejudice, the outcome or further action you would like in resolution of this
complaint.
(this box will expand as you type)
You will be contacted within ten working days of the form being received by the Chair of Research
Degree Committee and either provided with a remedy or informed that it has not been possible to
find a remedy.
If you are dissatisfied with the proposed remedy or it has not been possible to find a remedy, you
may invoke the Second Stage of the formal complaints procedure by completing the Second
Stage Complaint Form (GA11b) and submitting this to the Academic Office within 10 clear
working days of being informed of the outcome of the first stage procedure.
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SECTION C: Details of informal procedures
Most complaints can be resolved simply and swiftly in an informal manner, at a local level, by
discussing the issue or concern with the relevant person. The University encourages students to
raise matters of concern as soon as they arise.
Have you discussed your complaint with a member of staff as part of the informal procedures for
investigating complaints:
Yes:
No:
Name of member of staff to whom you initially reported this complaint:
If you have not discussed your complaint with a member of staff as part of the informal procedure
for investigating complaints, please explain the reasons for not doing so and why you wish to take
the complaint to formal procedures.
(this box will expand as you type)
If appropriate, please provide details of the remedy offered after the informal procedures for
investigating complaints.
(this box will expand as you type)
If appropriate, please explain why you are dissatisfied with the remedy offered after the informal
procedures for investigating complaints.
(this box will expand as you type)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The information which I have provided is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I give
my consent for this information to be disclosed to the relevant officers of the University who are
responsible for considering complaints. Submitting false documentation or fraudulent
information is a serious matter and could be dealt with under the Disciplinary
Procedures. The University reserves the right to check on the validity of the document(s)
you submit by contacting the third party directly.
Signature of Student:
September 2013
Date:
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All communications relating to the formal procedures for investigating complaints must be in
writing and addressed to:
(For students based on or linked to the
SWANSEA campuses)
(For students based on or linked to the
CARMARTHEN, LAMPETER or LONDON
campus)
Academic Office
(Ref: PGR Supervision Complaint – Stage
One)
University of Wales: Trinity Saint David
Mount Pleasant
Swansea
SA1 6ED
Email: pvcregistry@smu.ac.uk
(Subject: PGR Supervision Complaint – Stage
One)
Academic Office
(Ref: PGR Supervision Complaint – Stage
One)
University of Wales: Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP
Email: quality@tsd.ac.uk
(Subject: PGR Supervision Complaint – Stage
One)
Please send your complaint to the correct address or it may delay the process of considering your
complaint.
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