House of Commons Approves ICGS Multiple Complaints Process
27 April 2022
On 26 April 2022, the motion to amend the ICGS policies to facilitate multiple complaints was approved by the House of Commons. Read more about the policy proposal in the House of Commons Commission paper from 30 March 2022.
On news of the approval of the new process which will allow potential complainants to be alerted to other complaints about the same person, Jo Willows, ICGS Director said:
“I’m extremely pleased that this new process within the ICGS was approved on the floor of the House of Commons last night, which means all necessary groups across Parliament have now approved. It fulfils one of the final outstanding recommendations of the independent 18-month review of the ICGS, which asked Parliament to set up a bicameral working group ‘to consider how a fair and data protected complainant reporting procedure can be operated for collecting and storing the data and informing other potential complainants if a complaint is made’.
“We have now implemented 29 of 33 recommendations from Alison Stanley’s 18-month review.
“I hope this continues to build confidence in the ICGS; it is there for everyone to use.”
What is the new process?
Potential complainants can leave their details with the independent ICGS helpline, to be held for one year, and to be alerted within that period if others have complaints about the same person. They can then, if they wish, choose to start a formal complaint at that stage (or at any stage within the year).
The new process is intended to help people overcome any nervousness they might have about starting a formal complaint using the ICGS.
Safeguards are in place to prevent misuse, and to ensure that sensitive information is handled appropriately and lawfully. It does not involve any changes to the definitions of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct under the ICGS policies. Each complaint would continue to be assessed separately.
To make a complaint concerning bullying harassment, or sexual misconduct, call the ICGS Independent Helpline on 0808 168 9281. Calls can be made to the helpline anonymously and as many times needed, to ask for advice and information. Calls will be treated confidentially and empathetically.