Smilebikes is committed to providing a quality service and working in an open and accountable way that builds trust and respect. One of the ways in which we can continue to improve our services is by listening and responding to the views of clients and in particular by responding positively to complaints, and by putting mistakes right.
Therefore we aim to ensure that:
- Making a compliment or complaint is as easy as possible.
- We welcome compliments, feedback and suggestions.
- We treat a complaint as a clear expression of dissatisfaction with our service which calls for a response within a timely manner.
- We deal with it promptly, politely and, when appropriate, confidentially.
- We respond in the right way – for example, with an explanation or an apology where we have got things wrong, or information on any action taken, etc.
- We learn from complaints, use them to improve our service, and review annually our complaints policy & procedures.
We recognise that many concerns will be raised informally, and dealt with quickly.
Our aims are to:
- Resolve informal concerns quickly.
- Keep matters low-key
- Enable mediation between the complainant and the individual to whom the complaint has been referred.
This policy ensures that we welcome complaints and provide guidelines for dealing with complaints from members of the public about our services, facilities and staff.
Definitions
A complaint is defined as any expression of dissatisfaction, however it is expressed.
This would include complaints expressed face to face, via a phone call, in writing, via an email or any other method. All staff should have sufficient knowledge to be able to identify an “expression of dissatisfaction” even when the word “complain” or “complaint” is not used.
Purpose
We are always glad to hear from people who are satisfied with the services we offer. All compliments are recorded, acknowledged and shared with the Smilebikes team.
Complaints
The formal complaints procedure is intended to ensure that all complaints are handled fairly, consistently and wherever possible resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction.
Responsibilities
Smilebikes Ltd responsibility will be to:
- Acknowledge the formal complaint in writing.
- Respond within 10 working days.
- Deal reasonably and sensitively with the complaint.
- Take action where appropriate.
A complainants responsibility is to:
- Bring their complaint, in writing, to Smilebikes Ltd’s attention within 8 weeks of the issue arising.
- Raise concerns promptly and directly with a member of staff in Smilebikes Ltd.
- Explain the problem as clearly and as fully as possible, including and action taken to date.
- Allow Smilebikes Ltd a reasonable time to deal with the matter.
- Recognise that some circumstances may be beyond Smilebikes Ltd’s control.
Confidentiality
Except in exceptional circumstances, every attempt will be made to ensure that both the complainant and Smilebikes Ltd maintain confidentiality. However the circumstances giving rise to the complaint may be such that it may not be possible to maintain confidentiality (with each complaint judged on its own facts). Should this be the case, the situation will be explained to the complainant.
Complaints Procedure
Written records must be made by Smilebikes Ltd at each stage of the procedure.
Stage 1
In the first instance, staff member(s) must establish the seriousness of the complaint. An informal approach is appropriate when it can be achieved. But if concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved informally, then the formal complaints procedure should be followed.
Stage 2
If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the member of the public should be advised that a formal complaint may be made and the following procedure should be explained to them. It may sometimes be appropriate for a different member of staff, preferably a member of the Management Team, to make this explanation.
- A formal complaint can be made either verbally or in writing. If in writing the attached form should be used. If verbally, a statement should be taken by a member of staff.
- In all cases, the complaint must be passed on to Tim Gregory, Director.
- Tim Gregory, Director must acknowledge the complaint on writing within 10 working days of receiving it. The complaint will be investigated and any conclusions reached will be discussed with the staff member involved.
- The person making the complaint will receive a response based on the investigation within four weeks of the complaint being received. If this is not possible then a letter must be sent explaining why.
Stage 3
- If the complainant is not satisfied with the above decision, a Board meeting will be convened to discuss and examine the complaint. They may wish to carry out further interviews examine files / notes. They will respond within four weeks in writing. Their decision will be final.