Complaints quick guide
Complaints procedure: Timelines
We have a two-stage complaints procedure. We will always try to deal with your complaint quickly. But if it is clear that the matter will need investigation, we will tell you and keep you updated on our progress.
Stage 1: Frontline response
Stage 1: Frontline response
We will always try to respond to your complaint quickly, within five working days if we can.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you can ask us to consider your complaint at stage 2.
Stage 2: Investigation
Stage 2: Investigation
We will look at your complaint at this stage if you are dissatisfied with our response at stage 1. We also look at some complaints immediately at this stage, if it is clear that they need investigation.
We will acknowledge your complaint within three working days.
We will confirm the points of complaint to be investigated and what you want to achieve.
We will investigate the complaint and give you our decision as soon as possible. This will be after no more than 20 working days unless there is clearly a good reason for needing more time.
Independent Review: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
Independent Review: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
After we have given you our final decision, if you are still dissatisfied with our decision or the way we dealt with your complaint, you can ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) or the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) (or other awarding body) to look at it. For qualifications that are regulated, if you remain dissatisfied with the way the awarding body has handled your complaint then you may complain to the qualifications regulator, SQA Accreditation.