What is the OIA?
The OIA (Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education) provides a free and independent scheme to review student complaints and appeals against higher education providers.
If you have exhausted the university's internal procedures and have received your Completion of Procedure (CoP) letter you are able to take your appeal and/or complaint to OIA.
You can find out more information about the OIA by clicking here
Click here to read the OIA’s Quick Guide
Timeframe
For your case to be reviewed by the OIA, they must receive your complaint or appeal within 12 months of the CoP letter; if you do not do this, it will be considered out of time. If you are planning to submit an appeal or complaint, it is best to do this as soon as possible to avoid your complaint or appeal being rejected.
Former students are able to make a complaint, but they will have to do this within 12 months of receiving the CoP letter
What is a Completion of Procedures (CoP) letter?
The Completion of Procedures (CoP) letter is issued by the University within 25 working days of the Stage 2 complaint, this means all University internal procedures have been completed.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of the decision you will then be able to contact the OIA
What The Advice Service can do for you?
Before making a complaint to the OIA, you can ask one of our advisors about the process, we can support you with the following;
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We will give you support and guidance through the university's process.
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We can help you provide the information you need to support your complaint.
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We can help you manage expectations, especially relating to possible outcomes
The OIA expects the University to comply with their decisions or recommendations, failing to do so will not result in a fine or punishment, but it will be considered bad practice.