SRCMS Logo White

Thank you for contacting the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service.
Our Service will be closed from Thursday 23rd December 2021 returning Monday 10th January 2022. Please leave us a message with your name, telephone number and email address and we look forward to contacting you on our return. In the meantime, if you wish to access confidential counselling support, this is available free of charge to you through EAP Services. To access this:

1. Call EAP Services on 0800 327 669
2. Follow the instructions by pressing 2
3. You can make an appointment by pressing 1
4. When prompted for an organisation, quote organisation number 17168 and note you have been referred through our service, Immediation New Zealand Limited.
5. You will be able to book a session


We wish you all the best for a happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to assisting you in 2022.

Thank you for contacting the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service.
Our Service will be closed from Thursday 23rd December 2021 returning Monday 10th January 2022. Please leave us a message with your name, telephone number and email address and we look forward to contacting you on our return. In the meantime, if you wish to access confidential counselling support, this is available free of charge to you through EAP Services. To access this:

1. Call EAP Services on 0800 327 669
2. Follow the instructions by pressing 2
3. You can make an appointment by pressing 1
4. When prompted for an organisation, quote organisation number 17168 and note you have been referred through our service, Immediation New Zealand Limited.
5. You will be able to book a session

We wish you all the best for a happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to assisting you in 2022.

New ZEALAND

Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service

The Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service is a complaints and mediation service for sport and recreation across Aotearoa New Zealand. The service is operated by Immediation New Zealand Limited, which has been contracted by Sport NZ to run the service independent of any sporting bodies, clubs and organisations. Its purpose is to ensure those with issues related to sport and recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand have a place to air their complaints and have them resolved fairly. The service is free and confidential. Our experienced team will provide information about the services and avenues available for resolving the issue. Please note that all calls and online submissions are subject to our terms and conditions.

To enquire about a complaint or dispute, please call 0800 493 612 with no obligation to proceed.


A service for anyone engaged in sport and active recreation – from community to elite level.

OPTION A

PHONE CALL

Receive impartial support and find out more about our service, with no obligation to proceed. You can submit your complaint or dispute over the phone and may remain anonymous if you wish.

CALL 0800 493 612

OPTION B

WRITTEN COMPLAINT

You can raise your written complaint or dispute by completing our online form. This form uses Whispli technology and you may remain anonymous if you wish.

WRITTEN COMPLAINT
animated panel of people 3

SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE

About your options

Some complaints or disputes are best resolved quickly and informally with one of our experienced early facilitators. Others are suitable for mediation with one of our expert mediators. Whatever the issue is that you wish to raise, we will provide you with the information you need throughout our process.

workplace with people working animated

HERE TO HELP

Service support

We will listen to you and provide you with access to support throughout a mediation or other process. You can speak with us confidentially at any time without any obligation to proceed. People often call and talk through their situation and then take time to consider their available options within our Service and come back to us when they are ready to proceed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

A confidential way to raise concerns related to sport and recreation in Aotearoa.

Expert Mediation Panel

To enquire about a complaint or dispute, please call 0800 493 612 with no obligation to proceed.

Andrew Scott-Howman

Andrew Scott-Howman is a Wellington based barrister specialising in employment law. Andrew was an employment law partner at Bell Gully between 2003 and 2008, following which he was a partner in the Crown Solicitor’s Office in Wellington from 2009 to 2012. He went to the independent bar in February 2012.
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Ann Skelton

Ann is a barrister, mediator and workplace investigator with over 25 years’ experience. Ann’s strength is in understanding the underlying conflict while keeping the parties at the centre of the process. She has conducted workplace investigations, culture reviews and inquiries, complex mediations and facilitations of difficult conversations.
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Anne Toohey

Anne is a barrister at Canterbury Chambers in Christchurch and has a general practice in civil, employment and criminal litigation. Prior to joining the independent bar, she worked from admission in 1996 as a civil and criminal litigator.
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Chris Merrick

Chris is a Partner at Meredith Connell, litigator and youth advocate, he has significant experience with rangatahi, whānau, dispute resolution and restorative processes. He is a former judicial and appeals officer and a speaker of te reo Māori, ensuring tikanga Māori and te reo Māori are incorporated in his work.
View Full Profile

Deborah Clapshaw

Deborah is an Auckland barrister with 40 years’ experience in dispute resolution. She spentthe last 28 years practising as a mediator and facilitator. She is recognized by Who’s Who asone of the world’s leading mediators and was named in NBR and Lawfuel as in the top 10commercial and family mediators in New Zealand in 2014, 2016 and 2019.
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Don Mackinnon

Don is a Barrister at City Chambers and has practised in the areas of employment and sports law for approximately 30 years. He frequently acts as a mediator and investigator in these fields.
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Erin Davies

Erin is lead Partner of Meredith Connell's employment law team. She is a specialist employment lawyer with extensive experience representing public entities and private clients, including schools and other education providers.
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Kate Keddell

Kate Keddell is a Dunedin-based mediator, facilitator and investigator. She was admitted to the bar in 2000 and practised commercial law until 2018. Since then she has been involved in mediations, investigations and governance.
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Maria Austen

Maria specialises in employment law and independent investigations. Prior to moving to theindependent Bar as a barrister in 2012, Maria was a Principal of the Crown Solicitor's Officein Wellington.
View Full Profile

Maria Dew KC

Maria was appointed King's Counsel in November 2018. She specialises in employment law, professional misconduct, health and safety and human rights matters. Maria has gained a strong reputation as independent counsel.
View Full Profile

Mark Kelly

Mark is a leading commercial mediator, with a reputation for skill, determination, commerciality, and reliability. He was admitted to the New Zealand bar in 1993, giving him over 25 years of legal experience.
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Michael Heron KC

Michael Heron KC is a leading KC in commercial and regulatory litigation and arbitrations. He is a trusted legal advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies. Michael was formerly New Zealand’s Solicitor General...
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Nina Khouri

Nina is based in Auckland and has over 15 years’ experience as a mediator. She has received recognition as a leader in the field of mediation, having been a mediator of the year finalist in each of 2017, 2018 and 2019.
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Nura Taefi

Nura is a barrister specialising in civil litigation, and with particular expertise in professional misconduct, employment and human rights matters. Nura often acts as independent counsel in reviews and investigations.
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Paul Sills

A domestic and international arbitrator, mediator and barrister who draws on over 25 years of commercial and legal experience, Paul specialises in the early resolution of disputes both nationally and internationally for the benefit of all parties involved.
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Rachel Burt

Rachel Burt is a Wellington based barrister at Kānuka Chambers. Rachel is a mediator, workplace investigator and advisor with over twenty years’ experience. Rachel strongly believes in restorative practice and the power of effective communication, to build understanding and develop constructive solutions.
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Sheana Wheeldon

Sheana is a barrister and mediator with over 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution. As a mediator Sheana draws on her extensive experience to address the parties’ real interests and explore intelligent, pragmatic and creative settlement options.
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Shelley Kopu

He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka (Choppy waters can be navigated). Shelley Kopu is of Te Atiawa descent. As an experienced specialist employment lawyer, mediator and investigator Shelley is skilled at facilitating mediations with a Te Ao Māori lens, in a manner that honours Tikanga Māori and an indigenous view.
View Full Profile

Stephen Cottrell

A former professional rugby player and General Counsel of New Zealand Rugby, Stephen Cottrell specialises in sports law and dispute resolution. He is the principal of Cottsport Limited, a sports advisory company and incorporated law firm.
View Full Profile

The Hon Paul Heath KC

Paul was appointed Queen’s Counsel in June 1998 and as a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand in March 2002. He retired from the Bench in April 2018, and since that time, has been engaged in arbitration and mediation, together with other forms of dispute resolution.
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FAQs

What is the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service?

The Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service (SRCMS) is an independent complaints and mediation service for sport and recreation across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This service is operated by Immediation New Zealand Limited, an online dispute resolution company which has been contracted by Sport NZ. It is independent of Sport NZ, High Performance Sport New Zealand and all other sporting bodies, clubs and organisations.

What does the service do?

The Service can assist individuals with a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Immediation will provide information about the services and avenues available for resolving the issue. Matters may be progressed to early facilitation or to a mediation by an expert mediator. In some cases, an independent investigation may be possible with the agreement of the sporting organisation. There is no obligation to proceed.

Who can submit a complaint or dispute?

You must be over 18 years of age to raise a complaint or dispute with this Service.

If you are a parent or legal guardian, you may raise an issue relating to a child; please see our Quick Guide and Service Guidelines for further details.

What services are available?

The Service has the option to provide:

- Early facilitation: this is a flexible and informal process where we work with all parties involved to seek to resolve a dispute;
- Mediation: this is a facilitated resolution process with an independent expert mediator.  The mediator assists the parties to seek to resolve their dispute on terms that they agree;
- Investigation: we will assess whether an investigative mechanism is available to you under the Service.  If it is, the sporting organisation may appoint an independent investigator from our panel (see our Investigation Protocols).
- A combination of any of the above.

Free and confidential counselling services provided by EAP Services are also available to anyone using this Service.

It is always up to you whether or not to participate in one of our facilitated dispute resolution processes. We will provide support and guidance throughout the process.

You may wish to speak with a friend or family member about the Service and you can also seek legal advice from a lawyer about whether the Service is right for you.

What kind of disputes and complaints will be handled?

To access the Service, you just need to have a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation. All sorts of different complaints and disputes arise in connection with sport and recreation. Here are some examples:

- a complaint about on or off field behaviour of a coach, volunteer, parent or sportsperson;
- a dispute about selection for a particular team or event;
- a complaint about club management, culture, or a policy;
- a complaint of wrongdoing by a volunteer, coach, individual team member or their parent;
- complaints of bullying, harassment, or discrimination;
- a dispute about inappropriate use of social media in a sporting setting.

Can we approach resolution of my dispute in accordance with Te Ao Maori?

The Service will operate in accordance with the Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, including capability for participants to engage in the Service in accordance with Te Ao Maori where appropriate.

Please see our Service Guidelines for further details of how working collaboratively with Tutira Mai we adapt our dispute resolution approaches in accordance with parties’ wishes.

How do I submit a complaint?

There are two methods available:

Method A) To submit a complaint or dispute over the phone, simply call 0800 493 612. Your telephone call will not be recorded. Your call will be answered by a member of the SRCMS team who will take details of your complaint. They will then talk with you about available dispute resolution.

Method B) To submit your complaint online, follow the 3 simple steps below.

Step 1: Go to: https://sportsmediationservice.whispli.com/inbox/register and create a Whispli inbox.
Please note that if you wish to submit a complaint through our online portal you will need to create a Whispli account even if you do not wish to remain anonymous.

Step 2: Click on 'Create a Report', provide details of your complaint or dispute by filling in the online questionnaire, and submit once ready.

Step 3: Once submitted, a member of our team will receive the details of your dispute or complaint and will get in touch with you to let you know whether the matter is within the scope of the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation service and to explore available options with you.

What can I expect when I call?

We will listen carefully and take a note of your contact details (except if you wish to remain anonymous).

We will ask you some details about your complaint or dispute including: 
- the nature of your complaint or dispute;
- the names of individuals and where relevant, organisations that are the subject of the complaint and/or party to the dispute;
- whether the issue has previously been raised with any person, club or organisation.

We do not take sides in a dispute. We are completely impartial.

We will:
- inform you whether or not your complaint/dispute can be dealt with through this service;
- provide you with information about the dispute resolution option (or options if there is more than one) that are available to you given the nature of your complaint or dispute.

Is the Service confidential?

Yes. We understand that complaints and disputes may involve highly confidential and sensitive information.  All personal information received will be handled confidentially in accordance with our Guidelines, terms and conditions and privacy policy. This means that you can speak with us confidently knowing that we will not contact any other person or organisation about your complaint unless you choose to do so.  

We would only disclose your name or details of your complaint without your consent in extreme circumstances such as where we were required by law to disclose e.g. following a request under the Privacy Act for access to information and where there was no basis on which to refuse that request.

Is there a limitation period on complaints?

No. There is currently no time limit on the historic age of a complaint.

What is the role of the SRCMS team?

It is important to understand the role of the SRCMS team. Each team member:

- is completely impartial and does not take sides in the complaint or dispute;
- is not providing any legal services i.e. does not provide any legal advice or opinion in connection with the complaint or dispute;
- is not there to take a detailed account or sworn witness statement about your complaint;
- is not there to assess or comment on the strength or weakness of a complaint or the evidence in support of it.

The team will:

- inform you whether or not your complaint/dispute is within the scope of the Service;
- provide you with general information about the facilitated resolution services and avenues available to you under the Service. 

What is involved in mediation?

Mediation is a confidential and flexible process where people involved in a dispute come together to try and resolve an issue or reach a negotiated settlement. An impartial third-party mediator facilitates this process. 

In order for mediation to take place, the parties must agree to participate in the process. The mediator does not make a decision about the issues in dispute but rather assists the parties to seek to resolve it. The parties control whether an agreement is reached and the terms of any agreement reached.

If you wish, the mediation can be conducted by online video conference on the Immediation Platform.  

Each party will have the opportunity to put forward their side of the story and any facts or evidence they wish to rely on. The mediator will guide and support the parties throughout the process.

In most cases, the mediation conference will be held within 45 days of the complaint being submitted.

Can I bring a support person to the mediation?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a legal representative or support person to the mediation conference, with the mediator’s agreement.

What happens if my complaint is not within the scope of the Service?

If your complaint or dispute is not within the scope of the Service, it may be that there is another process that you wish to pursue to resolve the issue you have raised (e.g. through Drug Free Sport New Zealand, the Sports Tribunal, Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Human Rights Commission, Oranga Tamariki and/or the New Zealand Police).  

The Service will help you by providing information about agencies that you may wish to contact. So even if your complaint is outside the scope of the Service, we will provide you with information about available avenues for progressing your complaint.

Where appropriate, the SRCMS team may refer the complaint back to the entity/organisation or appropriate national organisation or to another agency itself. 

What if I want my complaint investigated?

If you raise a complaint that you would like to be investigated, we will assess whether or not an investigative mechanism is available to you under the Service.

If you have any questions in relation to the Protected Disclosures Act, you should contact the Ombudsman and/or obtain your own independent legal advice.

We cannot provide you with legal advice about whether or not you are covered by the Protected Disclosures Act or the steps you should take under that Act.

Is there any cost involved?

The Service is currently fully funded by Sport NZ and so there is no expense for you to access the Service including to: 

- submit a complaint or dispute;
- participate in an early facilitation process;
- participate in a mediation process;
- participate in counselling.

Please note that we do not cover the cost of:
- legal advice and/or representation for you or any party at any stage;
- any settlement that is agreed in connection with a complaint or dispute.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

You may make an anonymous complaint over the phone or through our online portal. 

A dispute resolution process (early facilitation or mediation) will require the participation of both parties and so will be unable to proceed anonymously.

Whether or not you wish to remain anonymous, if you have any safety, wellbeing or other concerns about submitting a complaint, please let the team know when you submit your complaint so we can handle the matter appropriately.

See also FAQ re confidentiality.

I have already made a complaint to the ICM which is not resolved yet, what will happen to my complaint?

For continuity, all complaints that have been made to the ICM that are currently unresolved will remain with the ICM and they will continue to work with you to resolve your complaint.

FAQs

What is the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service?

The Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service (SRCMS) is an independent complaints and mediation service for sport and recreation across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This service is operated by Immediation New Zealand Limited, an online dispute resolution company which has been contracted by Sport NZ. It is independent of Sport NZ, High Performance Sport New Zealand and all other sporting bodies, clubs and organisations.

What does the service do?

The Service can assist individuals with a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Immediation will provide information about the services and avenues available for resolving the issue. Matters may be progressed to early facilitation or to a mediation by an expert mediator. In some cases, an independent investigation may be possible with the agreement of the sporting organisation. There is no obligation to proceed.

Who can submit a complaint or dispute?

You must be over 18 years of age to raise a complaint or dispute with this Service.

If you are a parent or legal guardian, you may raise an issue relating to a child; please see our Quick Guide and Service Guidelines for further details.

What services are available?

The Service has the option to provide:

- Early facilitation: this is a flexible and informal process where we work with all parties involved to seek to resolve a dispute;
- Mediation: this is a facilitated resolution process with an independent expert mediator.  The mediator assists the parties to seek to resolve their dispute on terms that they agree;
- Investigation: we will assess whether an investigative mechanism is available to you under the Service.  If it is, the sporting organisation may appoint an independent investigator from our panel (see our Investigation Protocols).
- A combination of any of the above.

Free and confidential counselling services provided by EAP Services are also available to anyone using this Service.

It is always up to you whether or not to participate in one of our facilitated dispute resolution processes. We will provide support and guidance throughout the process.

You may wish to speak with a friend or family member about the Service and you can also seek legal advice from a lawyer about whether the Service is right for you.

What kind of disputes and complaints will be handled?

To access the Service, you just need to have a complaint or dispute in connection with sport or recreation. All sorts of different complaints and disputes arise in connection with sport and recreation. Here are some examples:

- a complaint about on or off field behaviour of a coach, volunteer, parent or sportsperson;
- a dispute about selection for a particular team or event;
- a complaint about club management, culture, or a policy;
- a complaint of wrongdoing by a volunteer, coach, individual team member or their parent;
- complaints of bullying, harassment, or discrimination;
- a dispute about inappropriate use of social media in a sporting setting.

Can we approach resolution of my dispute in accordance with Te Ao Maori?

The Service will operate in accordance with the Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, including capability for participants to engage in the Service in accordance with Te Ao Maori where appropriate.

Please see our Service Guidelines for further details of how working collaboratively with Tutira Mai we adapt our dispute resolution approaches in accordance with parties’ wishes.

How do I submit a complaint?

There are two methods available:

Method A) To submit a complaint or dispute over the phone, simply call 0800 493 612. Your telephone call will not be recorded. Your call will be answered by a member of the SRCMS team who will take details of your complaint. They will then talk with you about available dispute resolution.

Method B) To submit your complaint online, follow the 3 simple steps below.

Step 1: Go to: https://sportsmediationservice.whispli.com/inbox/register and create a Whispli inbox.
Please note that if you wish to submit a complaint through our online portal you will need to create a Whispli account even if you do not wish to remain anonymous.

Step 2: Click on 'Create a Report', provide details of your complaint or dispute by filling in the online questionnaire, and submit once ready.

Step 3: Once submitted, a member of our team will receive the details of your dispute or complaint and will get in touch with you to let you know whether the matter is within the scope of the Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation service and to explore available options with you.

What can I expect when I call?

We will listen carefully and take a note of your contact details (except if you wish to remain anonymous).

We will ask you some details about your complaint or dispute including: 
- the nature of your complaint or dispute;
- the names of individuals and where relevant, organisations that are the subject of the complaint and/or party to the dispute;
- whether the issue has previously been raised with any person, club or organisation.

We do not take sides in a dispute. We are completely impartial.

We will:
- inform you whether or not your complaint/dispute can be dealt with through this service;
- provide you with information about the dispute resolution option (or options if there is more than one) that are available to you given the nature of your complaint or dispute.

Is the Service confidential?

Yes. We understand that complaints and disputes may involve highly confidential and sensitive information.  All personal information received will be handled confidentially in accordance with our Guidelines, terms and conditions and privacy policy. This means that you can speak with us confidently knowing that we will not contact any other person or organisation about your complaint unless you choose to do so.  

We would only disclose your name or details of your complaint without your consent in extreme circumstances such as where we were required by law to disclose e.g. following a request under the Privacy Act for access to information and where there was no basis on which to refuse that request.

Is there a limitation period on complaints?

No. There is currently no time limit on the historic age of a complaint.

What is the role of the SRCMS team?

It is important to understand the role of the SRCMS team. Each team member:

- is completely impartial and does not take sides in the complaint or dispute;
- is not providing any legal services i.e. does not provide any legal advice or opinion in connection with the complaint or dispute;
- is not there to take a detailed account or sworn witness statement about your complaint;
- is not there to assess or comment on the strength or weakness of a complaint or the evidence in support of it.

The team will:

- inform you whether or not your complaint/dispute is within the scope of the Service;
- provide you with general information about the facilitated resolution services and avenues available to you under the Service. 

What is involved in mediation?

Mediation is a confidential and flexible process where people involved in a dispute come together to try and resolve an issue or reach a negotiated settlement. An impartial third-party mediator facilitates this process. 

In order for mediation to take place, the parties must agree to participate in the process. The mediator does not make a decision about the issues in dispute but rather assists the parties to seek to resolve it. The parties control whether an agreement is reached and the terms of any agreement reached.

If you wish, the mediation can be conducted by online video conference on the Immediation Platform.  

Each party will have the opportunity to put forward their side of the story and any facts or evidence they wish to rely on. The mediator will guide and support the parties throughout the process.

In most cases, the mediation conference will be held within 45 days of the complaint being submitted.

Can I bring a support person to the mediation?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a legal representative or support person to the mediation conference, with the mediator’s agreement.

What happens if my complaint is not within the scope of the Service?

If your complaint or dispute is not within the scope of the Service, it may be that there is another process that you wish to pursue to resolve the issue you have raised (e.g. through Drug Free Sport New Zealand, the Sports Tribunal, Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Human Rights Commission, Oranga Tamariki and/or the New Zealand Police).  

The Service will help you by providing information about agencies that you may wish to contact. So even if your complaint is outside the scope of the Service, we will provide you with information about available avenues for progressing your complaint.

Where appropriate, the SRCMS team may refer the complaint back to the entity/organisation or appropriate national organisation or to another agency itself. 

What if I want my complaint investigated?

If you raise a complaint that you would like to be investigated, we will assess whether or not an investigative mechanism is available to you under the Service.

If you have any questions in relation to the Protected Disclosures Act, you should contact the Ombudsman and/or obtain your own independent legal advice.

We cannot provide you with legal advice about whether or not you are covered by the Protected Disclosures Act or the steps you should take under that Act.

Is there any cost involved?

The Service is currently fully funded by Sport NZ and so there is no expense for you to access the Service including to: 

- submit a complaint or dispute;
- participate in an early facilitation process;
- participate in a mediation process;
- participate in counselling.

Please note that we do not cover the cost of:
- legal advice and/or representation for you or any party at any stage;
- any settlement that is agreed in connection with a complaint or dispute.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

You may make an anonymous complaint over the phone or through our online portal. 

A dispute resolution process (early facilitation or mediation) will require the participation of both parties and so will be unable to proceed anonymously.

Whether or not you wish to remain anonymous, if you have any safety, wellbeing or other concerns about submitting a complaint, please let the team know when you submit your complaint so we can handle the matter appropriately.

See also FAQ re confidentiality.

I have already made a complaint to the ICM which is not resolved yet, what will happen to my complaint?

For continuity, all complaints that have been made to the ICM that are currently unresolved will remain with the ICM and they will continue to work with you to resolve your complaint.