Complaints Handling Policy

1 | Introduction

1. 1.1
2. Hope From Above Inc (HFA) is committed to efficient, effective and ethical programs and services that serve our clients. HFA understands the value of an effective complaints policy and procedure in improving services

4 | Scope

1. 3.1
2. This Policy applies to complaints made by beneficiaries of HFA.

1. 3.2
2. This policy does not apply to complaints made by Board members, staff and volunteers. More appropriate avenues for these individuals to raise a concern or complaint can be found in HFA’s other policies and procedures, specifically:
   
   [a]  Whistleblowing Policy, or
   [b]  Refer to the Guidance Manual Ch 13: Key Policies.

5 | Facilitation Of Complaints

1. 5.1
2. The Board will ensure that the making of complaints is facilitated within HFA by:
   
   [a]  providing people making complaints with information about HFA’s complaint handling process;
   [b]  setting time frames for complaint responses;
   [c]  ensuring no detriment to people making complaints;
   [d]  allowing for anonymous complaints and confidential investigations if appropriate;
   [e]  ensuring information about the complaint procedure is publicly available on HFA’s website; and
   [f]  not charging a fee for complaints.
   
   

1. 5.2
2. The Board will communicate the complaints procedure to the public and people making complaints through a publicly facing Complaints Handling Procedure document.

7 | Assessing Complaints

1. 7.1
2. Complaints will be assessed after acknowledgement.

1. 7.2
2. The complaint will first be assessed to establish the desired outcome sought by the person making the complaint, and whether the issue/s raised in the complaint are within HFA’s control.

1. 7.3
2. If the matter is within HFA’s control, consideration will be given to how the complaint can be managed, with reference to:
   
   [a]  the seriousness and urgency of the complaint;
   [b]  any identifiable risks to HFA, its Board members, staff, volunteers or people accessing programs or services;
   [c]  whether further investigation is required; and
   [d]  what would (or could) be involved in resolving the complaint.
   
   

1. 7.4
2. HFA will keep the complainant informed throughout this process.

9 | Complaints Connected To Third-Party Programs

1. 9.1
2. HFA pursues its charitable purposes in part through collaborating with a third party or third parties to deliver programs overseas.

1. 9.2
2. HFA is required by the ACNC External Conduct Standards (ECS) to consider and monitor complaints made to, about and by third parties collaborating with HFA outside of Australia.

1. 9.3
2. As part of its ECS risk assessment, the Board must determine what level of oversight it requires in relation to these complaints, with reference to matters including the:
   
   [a]  level of risk associated with the operations;
   [b]  relationship with the third party;
   [c]  complaint handling procedures within the third party; and
   [d]  consequences of a complaint about overseas operations not being acted upon.
   
   

1. 9.4
2. The Board must consider whether it is appropriate to:
   
   [a]  impose complaint handling obligations on third parties through a Memorandum of Understanding or other agreement;
   [b]  offer training to third parties on complaint management;
   [c]  require third parties to produce a complaint management policy or procedure (or provide one for them to adopt); and/or
   [d]  establish a mechanism for any of beneficiaries, employees, volunteers or Board members of a third party to make a complaint directly to HFA.
   
   

1. 9.5
2. HFA may require a third party to report annually/or a quarterly basis to HFA on any complaints received by the third party.

11 | Authorisation

The Board of Hope From Above Inc. (HFA).