Lodging a Discrimination Complaint

Complaints of discriminatory behaviour must be lodged in writing or discussed in person with one of the designated discrimination grievance counsellors (DGCs), whose particulars are available at reception.

The designated DGC must prepare a written complaint setting out the facts alleged by the complainant, in conjunction with the complainant.

• If the alleged discriminatory conduct was committed by a pupil, the DGC must submit the complaint to the Head of School. The matter will be dealt with as prescribed for serious infringements under the School’s Code of Conduct, read together with the Policy on Disciplinary Procedures and Appeals.
• If the alleged discriminatory conduct is employment‑related, the designated DGC must submit the complaint to the Head, and the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the School’s employment policies.
• In all other cases, the designated DGC must follow the procedures set out below.

Consideration of Complaints by DGCs

If the complaint does not relate to alleged discriminatory conduct by a pupil or employment‑related discrimination, the designated DGC must, after preparing the complaint, meet with the alleged wrongdoer to establish their version of events.

Once this meeting has taken place, the DGC must arrange a meeting between the complainant and the alleged wrongdoer to facilitate an amicable resolution. This process will entail an informal, private discussion. Parties will not be entitled to have representatives present, except where one of the parties is a minor—in which case their parent or legal guardian may attend.

Solutions will be those agreed upon by the parties and may include, for example, an apology, a public statement, community service, or any other lawful resolution.

After the meeting, the DGC must prepare a written report summarizing both parties’ versions of events, the possible solutions discussed, and the outcome. The report must be submitted to the Board of Governors to keep on record or to take further action if the matter was not resolved.

Should any party fail to cooperate with the DGC or attend a meeting, this must be indicated in the report.

Criteria and Designation of DGCs

The following persons qualify to be designated as DGCs:

• School counsellors.
• Any member of staff who holds a certificate in an accredited counselling or dispute resolution course of at least NQF Level 7 (or equivalent) and who has been appointed to the role of DGC by the Head or the Board of Governors.
• Any independent dispute resolution practitioner appointed by the Board of Governors on an ad hoc basis.

DGCs will be designated to complaints based on a pre‑determined duty roster compiled in advance for each school term. A DGC who is unavailable, believes the matter is better handled by another DGC, or has a conflict of interest may refer the complaint to another DGC or request the Board of Governors to appoint an external DGC.