Making a complaint
What the process is for
The Independent Complaints Process deals with complaints about the conduct of current members of the Party: for example bullying, harassment, discrimination, or behaviour that brings the Party into disrepute.
Some matters are handled under other processes instead. The Standards Office will tell you if that applies to your complaint, and why.
What happens after you submit
- The Standards Office checks it can be accepted. It must be about the conduct of a current member.
- A Senior Adjudicator decides how it proceeds. They may not accept it, dismiss it (sometimes with a Warning), ask you for more information, or send it to a Complaints Panel. The member you complained about is not told at this stage.
- If it goes to a Panel, the member is told and has 10 working days to respond.
- A Complaints Panel of three volunteers decides. They may decide on the papers, ask an Investigator to look into it, or hold a Hearing.
- Either side may appeal within 10 working days, on the grounds set out in the procedure.
Following your complaint
Once you have submitted, you can sign in with the email address you gave to see where your complaint is, what happens next, and anything you need to do. There is no password: we email you a link.
Time limits
Most steps have a limit of 10 working days. Working days leave out weekends and bank holidays in every part of the UK where someone in the complaint lives. If you cannot meet a limit for a serious reason, such as bereavement or illness, ask the Standards Office for more time before the date passes.
Staying anonymous
You can ask for your identity to be kept from the member you complain about. You must give your reasons when you submit. A Senior Adjudicator decides; if they refuse, you can choose to withdraw.
Confidentiality
While your complaint is open, keep the details to yourself and a small number of people close to you. Do not post about it or discuss it publicly until the process and any appeals have finished.
Support
Being involved in a complaint can be stressful, whichever side you are on. Support is available to all members through HealthAssured on 0800 028 0199.
Questions about the process go to standardsofficer@libdems.org.uk.