If you are unhappy following a selection process, the Code of Practice outline the review and appeal mechanisms open to you.
You can either request a review of a decision made during the selection process, under section 7 of the relevant Code, or you can make a complaint that the selection process followed was unfair, under section 8.
You must choose between requesting a review of a decision or making a complaint. You cannot choose both.
If you are unhappy with a decision made during a selection process, believe it was made on the basis of incorrect information or that documented procedure was not followed, you can ask for a review under section 7 of the relevant code.
The decision may be reversed if it is found to have been incorrect.
For more information on the review process and how to request a review, click here.
If you think the selection process was unfair and in breach of the Code of Practice, you can make a complaint about the process under section 8 of the relevant code.
If the selection process is found to have been unfair, the decision will not be reversed. However, changes may be made to the process to ensure a breach does not happen again.
For more information on the complaint process and how to make a complaint, click here.
You must choose between a review of the decision (under section 7) and a complaint (under section 8).
If you have already asked for a review, you cannot then make a complaint. We will accept a complaint only in exceptional circumstances.
You must be careful when deciding which mechanism is most appropriate to your case. See the table below to help you choose the right option.
| When should I request a review (section 7) | When should I make a complaint (section 8) |
|---|---|
| If you are unhappy with the marks you received | If you believe the selection process was unfair |
| If you believe your experience and qualifications were not taken into account | If you can identify one or more breaches in the Code of Practice |
| If you believe the selection board did not follow the process outlined | If you believe the process did not treat candidates consistently or transparently |
| If you believe the marks you received were based on incorrect information | If you are looking for changes to the selection process for the future |
| If you are seeking a reversal of the final decision | If you are not seeking a reversal of the final decision |
The timeframes for asking a public body for a review or to make a complaint are as follows:
If you make a complaint outside of these timeframes, you may be refused.