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The aim of the Campaign’s Complaints policy is to ensure that its members and others whom it interacts with are able to raise issues and have them dealt with in a fair and transparent way, with due regard to confidentiality.
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The Campaign occasionally receives feedback on its website, via social media or directly to Committee members about the conduct of its members on rides or at other Campaign events.
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Complaints which are of a minor nature do not require in depth investigation. If some action is required, it will probably be to ask the member(s) involved to address the issue and if appropriate take action to stop the incident happening again.
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The Committee shall be responsible for investigating more serious complaints especially those involving safety and/or abuse, violence, bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind . It shall also investigate complaints against members whose conduct has been deemed to infringe the Campaign’s Constitution or policies.
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All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be notified to the Chair in writing as soon as reasonably practicable. The member or members involved will be asked to explain what has happened to a Nominated Officer appointed by the Committee. The Nominated Officer will investigate what happened and make recommendations to the Committee.
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In the case of a complaint made against a Committee member, that Committee member shall take no part in determining the outcome of the complaint.
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The Nominated Officer will ensure that complainant is treated with respect and sensitivity throughout the complaint process and will advise them of sources of support that may be useful to them.Complainants may bring a companion or representative to any meetings with the Nominated Officer or Committee.The Nominated Officer will contact the complainant to report on progress every two weeks, if the investigation is likely to be prolonged.
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The Committee will consider any complaints at the next Committee meeting due to be held after notification of the complaint or at a specially convened Committee meeting. If an in-depth investigation is needed, the Committee will postpone its consideration until after the Nominated Officer has concluded their investigation.
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Charges against members which may result in their expulsion, and the right of appeal of members against such expulsion, are covered in clause 9.1 of the Constitution.
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Any member who is involved in the complaints process shall have the right to present as much evidence (including witness statements) to a Nominated Officer as they feel necessary to support their case. The Nominated Officer will also be able to consult widely and gather as much evidence as necessary to understand and resolve the issue.
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The Committee’s decision as to whether the complaint is upheld or not shall be notified in writing to the person who made the complaint and the person complained about within 7 days of such a decision being taken. In cases where the complaint is not upheld, the Committee shall give reasons for its decision and provide guidance and positive suggestions for further action where appropriate.
11 July 2022