Northland School Board of Trustees

Disputes Resolution Policy
 

Rationale:

To ensure disputes are handled in a fair, systematic, and effective manner.

Purpose:

To provide clear guidelines for steps to be taken in resolving disputes.

Guidelines:

• When a concern has not been able to be resolved between a parent/caregiver and a staff member, the matter should be referred to the Principal. The Principal will then discuss the matter with the parties concerned, with the intention of reaching a resolution.
• If the dispute is unable to be resolved by the Principal, any of the three parties may refer the matter in writing to the Board of Trustees.
• Any written matter of dispute received by the Board of Trustees will be referred to the staff member concerned and /or the Principal for a written response
• The Board of Trustees will consider the staff member and/or Principal’s responses before responding to the complainant.
• Any member of the BoT who is the complainant, or who is the subject of the complaint, will take no part in the discussion about it, but may submit a written statement on the matter.
• Any outcome that is achieved should be fair to all parties concerned.
• A formal complaint must be in writing and directed first, to the Principal. The Principal will acknowledge the receipt of the complaint in writing within three working days.
• A formal complaint against the Principal must be in writing and is to be directed to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
• Any discipline, competency and dismissal procedures enacted will be in accordance with the appropriate staff Collective Agreements and follow current NZEI procedures. Before enacting such procedures advice is to be sought from NZSTA. The Board of Trustees will be kept fully informed.
• The number, type and status of written complaints and any other dispute matters of concern to the Principal must by reported to the Board of Trustees by the Principal.
• When a matter of dispute has been raised the Principal and/or the staff member involved must keep records of all meetings, any agreements made and actions taken. Appropriate confidentiality be maintained¬.
• This policy should be read in conjunction with the Communication and Community Consultation Policies.

Approved: 14 March 2007

Review Date: 2010