OIA

This week I attended a workshop run by the OIA.

"The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education ("OIA") operates an independent student complaints scheme pursuant to the Higher Education Act 2004." It is a service that is free for students to utilise.

Last academic year, the OIA recieved 1400 enquiries and 730 official complaints, of which 599 were eligible to pursue.

The workshop was very useful, particularly in relation to the direct representation that I carry out on appeal hearings, disciplinary committees, plagarism hearings and fitness to practise panels. I am also confident now, that if a student is unsucessful through the University structures, we can refer them to the OIA to pursue the complaint independently.

We did a lot of work on ensuring that the procedures at our individual institutions were fit for purpose and student friendly, and also picked up advice on successful representation.