Respectful Workplace, Respectful Campus

Everyone at Charles Darwin University has the right to be treated with respect and everyone has an obligation to treat others with respect. The principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are an integral part of the way the University conducts its interactions. To help people work cooperatively and effectively, Charles Darwin University has adopted these Guidelines for use in all University activities and settings.

The Guidelines’ objectives are to:

• Help people to address an issue promptly with those most directly involved
• Use informal ways to achieve outcomes that are satisfactory to all
• Provide a formal approach when the informal processes are not successful
• Ensure that people with a grievance have confidence in the system.

Foundations for Good Relations

We demonstrate respect by:

1. Treating people with courtesy
2. Discussing the issues openly, reasonably, and listening to what other people have to say
3. Considering others' ideas and opinions
4. Giving appropriate acknowledgement and recognition for good work
5. Appreciate difference by treating people equally, valuing insights and perspectives dissimilar to your own.
6. How to handle a grievance

People are encouraged to take up their grievance at an early stage with the person directly involved. The Respectful Workplace, Respectful Campus Guidelines include a three stage grievance process for both students and staff. Advice and assistance are available at all stages from the Office of Leadership and Organisational Culture. Whether it be a concern or complaint, whether you are the complainant or the subject, use the three step grievance process outlined below.

Step 1 - Concern:

A concern is a problem or issue that may in the first instance be resolved informally with the person or people (respondent/s) most directly involved. If the complainant has concerns about raising the matter directly with the respondent/s, they may ask to discuss the matter with a more senior staff member.

Step 2 - Complaint:

A complaint is a problem or issue which has not been resolved informally, or is of a serious nature, and progresses to a written grievance.

Step 3 - Appeal:

An appeal is a request for review of a decision/action.  Appeals are made on the grounds of lack of procedural fairness and/or have presentation of new evidence. Most complaints procedures have incorporated an appeal process.  Please refer to each individual policy and/or procedure for direction on how to lodge an appeal.

External Avenues

All complainants have the right to lodge complaints with an appropriate external body, subject to the procedures of the particular organisation.  It should be noted that you may be required to follow the relevant University policy or procedure before the external agency will accept the complaint.  External organisations may include:

• Ombudsman NT http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/
• Northern Territory Anti Discrimination Commission http://www.adc.nt.gov.au/
• Commissioner for Public Interest Disclosures (Whistleblowers Protection) http://www.blowthewhistle.nt.gov.au/
• Australian Human Rights Commission http://www.hreoc.gov.au/