It is an expression of dissatisfaction made to or about our organisation, related to our services, staff or the handling of a complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required.
Feedback
Feedback and Complaints
We at Focus ACT would like to hear from you. We welcome all feedback and complaints and we will use it to help us improve our services. If you are happy or not satisfied with the service you received or you have any concerns, please let us know.
Information provided by you will be handled in accordance with Focus ACT’s Privacy Policy Statement: Focus Privacy Policy
What is a complaint?
What can I complain about?
- Breach of Focus Code of Conduct
- Our standard of service
- Discrimination
- Staff member attitude / treatment to clients
- Failure to action on your request / enquiries
- Failure to provide service
- Focus policies/procedures
You are always welcome to raise any concerns aside from the list stated. If Focus is unable to deal with any part of your complaint, we will inform you as soon as possible and refer you to the appropriate person/organisation.
How do I raise a complaint?
You have different options in raising your concerns:
- In person : Focus Office – 32 Thesiger Court Deakin ACT 2600
- Via the online Feedback and Complaints Form below
- Email: feedbackandcomplaints@focusact.org
- Phone: 6282 9422
- Accessing Client/Guardian Portal: focus-point.org
A complainant has the option to have a support person present. It could be a friend, a relative or an advocate.
The complaint must include the following:
- Complainant’s full name and contact details, including preferred method of contact
- Summary of events that lead to the complaint
- Supporting evidence including documentations if available
- The outcome that you are seeking
Anonymous complaints
Focus accepts anonymous complaints and will carry out an investigation of the issues raised when there is enough information provided.
What will happen after I make
the complaint?
Focus management aims to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. As an initial step, we will attempt to resolve a complaint informally.
If the issue is not resolved, we will escalate it as a formal complaint and will follow the Focus feedback and complaints handling procedure: (see steps below )
Focus’ Feedback and Complaint Handling Procedure
1
Receive (same working day)
- Complaint received
- Staff receiving the complaint assess the nature of the complaint and determines its urgency and importance
2
Record (within 1 working day of receiving the complaint)
Details of the complaint must be recorded in the Feedback and Complaints Management System
3
Acknowledge (within 3 working days)
- All feedback/complaints should be acknowledged where possible.
- Complaints should be acknowledged in the same way they were received, unless the client cannot be contacted or is anonymous
4
Investigate & resolve (within 14 working days)
- The time to resolve, investigate or review a complaint will depend on the nature and complexity of the complaint
- If it is considered that more time will be required to investigate the complaint, the complainant/s will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation.
5
Communicate the resolution (within 3 days from finalising response)
- When the investigation is completed, the outcome will be communicated to the complainant
- Complainants will be advised of further avenues for review of their complaint if not satisfied with the resolution
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of Focus ACT’s review of their complaint, they may seek an external review of our decision with other external agencies such as the following:
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: ndiscommission.gov.au/about/complaints
- A complaint connected with NDIS funded supports or services provided by Focus can
be raised with the Commission. A person does not have to raise the complaint
with Focus before approaching the Commission. - Fair Work: fairwork.gov.au
- ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT): Phone: 6207 1740;
Email: tribunal@act.gov.au - ACT Housing Registrar, Community Services Directorate. Phone: 6207 5474
- National Regulatory System Community Housing: nrsch.gov.au
For further assistance, you may also contact the following agencies:
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of Focus ACT’s review of their complaint, they may seek an external review of our decision with other external agencies such as the following:
- In relation to registered dietitian
- In relation to health practitioners (E.g. Occupational Therapist, Psychologist)
- In relation to child and youth protection concerns or email childprotection@act.gov.au
- In relation to high level complaints handling and management service and policies or the Directorate or email quality@act.gov.au
- ACT Human Rights Commission or call (02) 6205 2222