This study characterises the ombuds office in higher education as an innovative practice of handling employee, staff, and student grievances. Though ombuds offices have had a place on many higher education campuses for some time, their function has evolved in response to a changing environment. Drawing on Open-Systems theory, this study views the…

In December 2014, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) introduced the "Good practice framework for handling complaints and academic appeals" which will inform external judgement on each university's approach to conflict management from the current academic year 2015-2016. The framework aims to improve the complaint process for…

This article explores the possible impact (beyond the appointment of a Director of Compliance for HE managers) once the Higher Education Act 2016 has created OFTE--the Office for Tertiary Education Regulation. The article also focuses attention on the long-established consumer protection context for the operation of the student-university contract…

The prevention and resolution of student complaints are critical factors in maintaining and improving the student experience. Rob Behrens looks at the wider context, drawing on lessons from beyond higher education, to examine the opportunities and possible pitfalls.

This article explores the issues facing practitioners working in the field of student complaints and appeals (including academic appeals). It is a reflective study which examines some general and historical issues, using anonymised case studies where appropriate and highlighting the diversity of practice across the sector. The author observes that…