The HGI always recommends that members of the public should, in the first instance, attempt to resolve their complaint with the individual HG practitioner concerned.

If, however, this does not prove satisfactory, complainants can then make a formal complaint to the HGI Complaints Committee (appointed by the HGI Board) which will investigate any such complaint about an HGI Registered Member (MHGI or FHGI, as applicable) by members of the public.

All HGI Registered Members, when renewing their membership, sign an annual testimonial reaffirming their commitment to the HGI Ethics and Professional Conduct policy, and their professional conduct should always reflect this.

For a complaint to be considered by the Complaints Committee, it must be against a current Registered Member of the HGI, who was also a Registered Member at the time of the alleged incident(s). Complaints should be notified at the earliest opportunity; the HGI will not normally consider complaints after two years from the date of the alleged incident(s).

How to Complain

All complaints must be presented in writing and should describe clearly the conduct or behaviour which the complainant believes contravenes the HGI Ethics and Professional Conduct policies.

See: Points to include in your complaint

Please address your written complaint to the 'Complaints Committee', c/o the HGI Secretary, HGI, Chalvington, East Sussex, BN27 3TD, and mark it 'Private and Confidential'.

(If it is difficult for you to put something in writing, please ask a third party to help you, or call the HGI on 01323 811662).

What to expect when making a complaint to the HGI

When a complaint is received, the HGI will acknowledge receipt of it within 7 working days and the member complained against will be contacted and asked to comment on the issues raised. Once these comments have been received, the matter will be considered by the Complaints Committee and you will be informed of their decision within 20 working days of receipt of your letter.

If you are satisfied with the result, no further action will be taken. (If it is not possible to come to a decision within 20 working days, you will be informed in writing of the progress of your complaint.) If you are not happy with the Complaints Committee's decision, you can appeal.

Flow diagram of the complaints procedure

Appeals

Notice of intention to appeal must be sent to the HGI in writing within 30 working days of the date of the letter outlining the Committee's decision. Your appeal will be considered by a panel specially convened by the Human Givens Institute* and you will be informed in writing of their decision within 30 working days of the date of your letter of appeal. If it is not possible to come to a decision within 30 working days, you will be informed in writing of the progress of your appeal.

What the HGI can and cannot do following a complaint

The HGI is a self-regulated professional members association which takes its role to uphold standards in human givens counselling and psychotherapy very seriously.

What the HGI can do:

• Investigate complaints within its jurisdiction against its members;
• Give formal advice to its members;
• Suspend a member from the HGI Practitioners' Professional Register and from HGI membership. If a complaint is of sufficient seriousness, the Complaints Committee can recommend to the HGI Board that a member be struck off the Professional Practitioners' Register. Members may submit an appeal against such a decision, which will be heard by a separate specially-appointed Appeals Panel. If a member is immediately or ultimately, after appeal, struck off the Professional Practitioners’ Register, a note to this effect will appear by their name on the Register. Details may be added at the discretion of the Board.

What it cannot do:

• Fine a member or recover any monies paid to a member for services;
• Arrange for any form whatsoever of compensation;
• Adjudicate on negligence as an alternative to the courts;
• Adjudicate on fees charged as an alternative to the courts.
  

Please note:
1) in the unlikely event of an HGI member wishing to bring a complaint against another member, the above procedure would also be adhered to; and 2) Registered Members can appeal the decision of the Complaints Committee, if they also follow the above appeals process.

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