Complaints about research projects

To register a complaint about the conduct of an approved research project or the ethical review of a research project.

Complaints can be made by:

Email
research@alfred.org.au

Phone
Telephone: (03) 9076 3619

Mail
The Office of Ethics and Research Governance
The Alfred
PO Box 315
Prahran  VIC  3181

When registering a complaint relating to a research project, quote either the project number or project title.

Please also provide your preferred contact details.

What happens with your complaint?

We understand that things don't always go as planned. If you have a concern, we'll work to resolve it promptly and fairly. Here's what you can expect:

Receipt of your complaint

  • Using the contact information you provide, the Complaints Officer will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your complaint and give you a reference number

Review

  • We will check that we understand your concerns
  • We will seek your permission before forwarding your information on
  • We may need to ask for permission to investigate the concerns if someone is contacting us on behalf of a research participant

Response

  • We aim to resolve all complaints as quickly as possible
  • As part of the response, we will liaise with the Director of Research, and if you are a research participant, your research team that may be located at an external organisation
  • We may liaise with the reviewing Ethics Committee
  • If you are not an Alfred Health participant, we may liaise with the complaints contact person at the external organisation you attend
  • Sometimes we will ask for more information to ensure we can resolve your complaint in the best way for you
  • Whilst we work to resolve your complaint, you are welcome to contact the Complaints Officer at any point for an update on progress
  • The response to your complaint may come from the Complaints Officer, your research team, Director of Research or external organisation

If you are a participant and not satisfied with the response

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you are encouraged to contact the relevant state organisation.

  • Health Complaints Commissioner or Office of the Health Ombudsman
  • Mental Health Complaints Commissioner
  • Office of the Information Commissioner or Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for privacy related matters