Information and support for resolving complaints and concerns
Griffith University is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive and culturally safe study and work environment. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re concerned about someone’s behaviour, or you’re unhappy with a decision, service or process at Griffith, we can help you find the right pathway.
The Integrity and Complaints team provides a coordinated, University-wide service that supports students, staff and the community to resolve issues fairly, safely, and as early as possible.
Further information about raising a complaint or concern, including options for accessing support, is available for students and staff:
Our complaints process
We have a clear and consistent process for managing concerns raised across the University. While concerns may be raised in different ways, all matters are brought together and coordinated through the Integrity and Complaints team to ensure they are handled fairly, safely, and through the most appropriate pathway.
The steps below outline what you can generally expect. Not all concerns will follow every stage, and you can enter the process at any point that feels appropriate for your situation. We are committed to ensuring the process is accessible and inclusive, and can provide support or adjustments where required.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Self-guided resolution | No-one is ever required to address harmful behaviour directly. However, the University recognises that some people may prefer to resolve an issue themselves in a way that supports their sense of agency, safety, and control. If it feels safe and appropriate, Griffith encourages trying to resolve the issue directly with the person or area involved. This might involve having a respectful conversation, raising the issue with a supervisor, or seeking assistance from a local support area such as your manager, HR Business Partner, or student support services. Many concerns can be resolved quickly through early communication. If you’re unsure how to approach this, we can provide advice or guide you through your options. |
| Disclosure, formal complaint or report | If the issue cannot be resolved locally, or you are uncomfortable raising it directly, you can make a disclosure or submit a formal complaint or report. Your complaint or concern will be directed to the Integrity and Complaints team for assessment and coordination. |
| Triage and assessment | Disclosures, formal complaints and reports are reviewed by the Integrity and Complaints team for assessment and coordination. The team will review your submission to understand what has happened and identify the most appropriate options and pathways. This may include seeking further information, clarifying the issues raised, or referring the matter to another area of the University to resolve, where appropriate. Where required, the matter may be managed centrally and progress to an independent assessment or investigation. |
| Investigation | In some cases, matters may require a more detailed review or independent investigation. This will depend on the nature and seriousness of the concern. Where an investigation is required, it will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and confidential manner. |
| Resolution and outcome | Following assessment or investigation, we work towards a fair and timely outcome based on the circumstances of the matter. Outcomes will vary depending on the issue and may include resolving the concern locally, taking appropriate action, or providing advice and support to those involved. In some cases, matters may be referred to another area of the University to resolve. |
Speak up
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to speak up. You can raise an issue or concern at any stage, whether you are looking for information, want to resolve an issue early, or want to make a formal complaint.
Speaking up helps us:
- Address issues early and reduce harm
- Support those affected
- Improve our services, culture, and decision-making
You don’t need to work out the right pathway yourself. If you make a disclosure, formal complaint or report, we will help ensure it is directed to the appropriate area and managed in a fair and consistent way.
If you are unsure whether you should raise a concern or make a complaint, contact us first. We can help you understand your options and decide what to do next.
You can raise concerns about a wide range of matters, including:
- Behaviour and culture
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other inappropriate behaviour
- Racism, religious vilification, or harmful conduct
- Academic or research integrity concerns
- Sexual harm, sexual harassment, or gender-based violence
- Corrupt conduct, fraud, or misuse of University resources
- Workplace practices, decisions, or administrative processes
- Child safety concerns
Frequently asked questions
Complaints policies and procedures
Griffith University’s Complaints Policy sets out the principles that guide how the University receives, manages and responds to complaints, disclosures, reports, reviews and appeals. The policy applies across a range of specialised complaint and integrity processes and supports a consistent, fair and respectful approach to managing matters raised with the University.
Specialised policies and procedures remain in place for particular matters, including:
- Anti-Racism
- Student complaints
- Student review and appeals
- Bullying, harassment and discrimination
- Gender-based violence and sexual harm
- Student conduct, safety and wellbeing
- Student academic integrity
- Research Integrity
- Child safety
- Privacy management
- Public interest disclosures
- Fraud and corruption
- Modern slavery
- Elections
You do not need to know which policy or procedure applies before raising a complaint or concern. The Integrity and Complaints team will review the information you provide and explain the available options and relevant process.
External review
If you are dissatisfied with the response to your complaint or report and have exhausted all internal processes for review, you may refer the issue to the appropriate external authority, as detailed in the relevant policy or procedure.
For students, this includes the National Student Ombudsman (NSO). The NSO is a free and independent service for students to resolve complaints about their university. The NSO is not a decision-maker but may recommend to Griffith how the decision process could be improved. Guidance on the types of complaints the NSO handles is available at the NSO website.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to contributing to building resilient economies that promote decent work and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Contact us
Have a question or need to get in touch? Contact the Integrity and Complaints team for information about making a complaint, disclosure or report, or raising a concern.
Send us an email
- Integrity and Complaints team
- complaints@griffith.edu.au
Call us
- Integrity and Complaints team
- +61 7 3735 4388