Staff Grievances and Disputes

In general, when problems or conflicts occur in the CPS, they should initially be addressed directly between the individuals concerned. If a solution cannot be found, the matter must be taken through the normal administrative channels as indicated below:

1. Course Leader and/or Head of Department

2. Deputy Director for Professional Development & Research (for academic staff problems) OR the Director of Administration (for administrative staff problems)

3. CPS Director

4. The Steering Committee, which can form a special Grievance Committee to look into the problem.

• Whenever administrative matters are involved or the dispute involves the University Administration, the Director of Administration must be informed.

Grievance Process:

1. Initial Complaint:

   • Any staff member who feels they have been treated unjustly or harassed by any authority or person has the right to seek redress.

   • The grievance must first be raised in writing with the Course Leader and Head of Department.

   • The Course Leader and Head of Department shall respond to the complainant within one week of receipt of the complaint.

2. Escalation to Deputy Director for Professional Development & Research:

   • If the staff member is not satisfied with the response from the Course Leader and/or Head of Department, they may submit their complaint to the Deputy Director for Professional Development & Research (DD-PDR) or the Director of Administration (for administrative staff problems).

   • The DD-PDR or the Director of Administration shall respond to the complainant within two weeks of receipt of the complaint.

3. Escalation to Director and Steering Committee:

   • If the staff member is still not satisfied, they may escalate the complaint to the CPS Director and the Steering Committee as a last resort.

   • The Steering Committee will set up a Grievance Committee to look into the matter.

   • Within two weeks of receipt of the complaint, the Grievance Committee shall either settle the grievance through mediation or make a recommendation to the Steering Committee, which shall render a decision regarding the complaint.

4. Final Appeal to Vice Chancellor:

   • If the staff member considers that their grievance has not been settled fairly, they have the right to raise their complaint with the Vice Chancellor.

   • The Vice Chancellor shall refer the complaint to the University Grievance Committee, which shall submit its recommendations to the Vice Chancellor within one month of receipt of the complaint.

   • The Vice Chancellor shall make the final decision.