Strike 2022-23 complaints

We have put in place a process for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints that concern the strikes that have been observed at Goldsmiths during the 2022-23 academic year. This is to ensure the fair, effective and efficient resolution of complaints.

Please note that the below process pertains only to action observed between 23 November 2022 and 22 March 2023, and not the marking and assessment boycott.

Issues regarding the marking and assessment boycott (MAB) that are raised as part of strike complaint will not be considered. Students who are seeking to raise a formal complaint regarding the MAB should consult the MAB complaints page for further information.

Deadline for Strike 2022-23 Complaints

2022-23 Strike Complaints had to be made by 12.00pm (midday) on 14 August 2023.

This was an extension of two weeks in order to allow students that still wish to raise a formal complaint about the impact of the strikes that occurred earlier this year another opportunity to do so. The revised deadline was agreed in consultation with the Goldsmiths' Students Union. 

Please note that 14 August was the final deadline by which you may submit a strike complaint.

Who can make a complaint

Strike 2022-23 Complaints must be made by the student impacted by the strikes. This means we cannot accept a complaint from other people, including parents or guardians.

We have learnt from resolving strike complaints in previous years that students are impacted by the strikes in different ways, even though they may be studying the same programme or module. We will therefore not be accepting group strike complaints from students this year.

Students will have the right to be accompanied, assisted or represented by another member of Goldsmiths (a currently enrolled student, or a member of staff of the College, or a member of staff or elected officer of the Students’ Union), if needed during the process.

Goldsmiths will not enter into discussions about issues with third parties without explicit written permission from the student.

How Strike 2022-23 Complaints will be investigated and resolved

Staff will have complaints allocated to them to investigate and propose a resolution. These staff will investigate each complaint allocated to them individually.

Investigating staff will rely on the information provided with the Strike 2022-23 Complaint Form. You must therefore include as much detail as possible about the impact of the industrial action when submitting your strike complaint.

A sample of complaints from each investigating staff member will be presented to a Review Panel to confirm that:

• the investigations have been undertaken fairly and correctly 
• that the proposed resolutions are fair and reasonable

The Review Panel will accept proposed resolutions or remit any that they consider require further or alternative investigation.

The Review Panel will consist of a member of the Senior Management Team, two members of staff and the President of the Students’ Union.

The outcome of complaints and the reasons for decisions made will be confirmed in writing, via email, to complainants.

When Strike 2022-23 Complaints will be resolved

It is known that complainants will be anxious to know and need to know the outcome of their complaint. Efforts will be made to provide notification of outcomes as soon as reasonably practicable.

It is intended that complainants will receive an outcome by 15 December 2023. We will continue to keep students updated via this webpage. For any further queries, please email complaints (@gold.ac.uk).

Support with making a complaint

The Goldsmiths Students’ Union’s Advice Service can provide support and advice: goldsmithssu.org/advice.

Dissatisfaction with the outcome of a complaint

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, you can request The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education OIA (HE) to review your complaint.

You have 12 months from receiving a Completion of Procedures letter to ask the OIA to review your complaint.