UHI Complaints - Making a Complaint to the University​​

If you are unhappy about something that the University has done (or not done) or about a member of staff, you have a right to complain about this, and we can support you in doing so. A complaint may be an effective way to address your problem.​

You can complain about things like:​

• The admissions process ​
• The disciplinary process ​
• Wrong information about academic programmes or college services • the quality and availability of facilities and learning resource ​
• Accessibility of our buildings or services ​
• Failure or refusal to provide a service ​
• Inadequate quality or standard of service, or an unreasonable delay in providing a service ​
• The quality of facilities or learning resources​

A full list or a list of what you cannot submit through the Complaints Procedure can be found here.​

If you are looking to submit a complaint about HISA – we have a separate Complaints Procedure which you can find here.​

How do I complain?​

You can complain in person. by phone, in writing, by email, or via the UHI complaints format https://www.uhi.ac.uk/complaints.​

What do I need to know about the Complaints Procedure?​

There are two stages of complaint: Stage 1 (sometimes called Frontline Resolution) and Stage 2 (sometimes called Investigation). ​

This generally allows for two opportunities for a complaint to be resolved which can be helpful if, after raising a complaint, you feel it hasn’t been dealt with correctly.​

It is normally only possible to complain about matters that occurred in the last six months. If what you are complaining about happened more than six months ago, but you have only just discovered that you have reason to complain, you will still be able to use the complaints process. In exceptional circumstances, complaints can be considered outside of this six-month time scale. ​

What are the timescales for getting a decision?​

For Stage 1 cases, UHI will aim to give you a decision in five working days or less, unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you are not satisfied with the response given at this stage, UHI will advise you on what you can do next. If you choose to, you can take your complaint to Stage 2. When cases are in Stage 2, UHI will aim to give you a full response as soon as possible, normally within 20 working days but if it will take longer than 20 working days, UHI will advise you of the timescales.​

What can I do if I am dissatisfied with the decision after Stage 2?​

After UHI provides you with their final decision and you are still dissatisfied, you can ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to look at the decision. The SPSO is an independent body which oversees complaints and appeals processes within the University and other public institutions. The SPSO are not able to look at the academic judgement and does not have the power to revise course awards. This can only be achieved through an academic appeals process. The SPSO consider complaints about the quality of service and maladministration, which may include issues surrounding course delivery.

How can the Advice Service help me with complaints?​​

The Advice Service has experience in supporting students with raising complaints. The process can feel difficult and stressful to navigate – that is where we can help you. ​

The Advice Service can assist you in complaining effectively. We can help you compile any evidence that you might need to support your complaint and prepare your statement. We can also, in most cases, help you by attending investigation meetings with you, for support, and reading through outcomes if you would like support in understanding the decision given.