Dispute Resolution Policy
This document describes our approach to the management of complaints and the framework within the business that supports these processes.
Our IDR processes are aligned with our membership of the External Dispute Resolution Scheme (EDRS) which is with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. (Our member # is 43377)
We adopt the definition of ‘complaint’ in AS ISO 10002-2006, namely ‘an expression of dissatisfaction made to an organisation, related to its products or services, or the complaints handling process itself, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected’. This means we will treat all complaints seriously and refer them to IDR unless they are resolved by the end of the next business day.
Receiving complaints
Complaints can be lodged by contacting Craig Titmus, the Complaints Officer by:
- phone 1300 367 369
- email craigt@networkfinance.com.au
- writing to 1/28 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo, QLD, 4151, or
- speaking to any representative of our business who will refer complainants to the Complaints Officer.
Complaints will be resolved as expeditiously as possible.
Complainants will be:
- treated with respect and provided with all documentation and evidence in support of their concerns
- informed of our complaints handling process, including the avenues for further review of decisions such as an External Dispute Resolution Scheme (EDRS), and
- informed of decisions and the reasons for those decisions.
As the Managing Director, Responsible Manager and Complaints Officer, I will do my best to consider complaints fairly and equally. If I am unable to do so I will consider seeking outside assistance to resolve the dispute.
The Complaints Officer will review the complaint carefully and promptly, taking such steps and reviewing such documents as a reasonable person would do.
Your Responsibilities
We respectfully ask you to:
- Not make complaints that are frivolous, unnecessary or which have been previously satisfactorily resolved, and
- Provide such assistance that we may reasonably request for the purpose of assessing and processing your complaint
Responding to complaints
We will respond to a complaint within appropriate time limits and will refer an unresolved complaint to our EDR scheme.
The Complaints Officer will provide a written ‘final response’ to the complainant within 45 days which will state:
- the final outcome of the dispute at IDR
- the right to take a dispute to EDR (no matter what the result of the investigation was at IDR)
- the name and contact details of our EDR scheme.
If the Complaints Officer is unable to give a final response within the specified period, the Complaints Officer will, before the end of the period:
- inform the complainant of the reasons for the delay
- advise the complainant of their right to complain to EDR
- provide the complainant with the name and contact details of our EDR scheme.
Complaint's resolution (under business 1 day)
If at all possible, we will attempt to resolve a complaint or dispute to our client’s satisfaction by the end of the next business day from when the complaint or dispute was received.
In such circumstances we will not apply our full IDR process with respect to capturing and recording the complaint or dispute and providing a final response on resolution of the complaint.
If a complaint or dispute is received and not resolved by the next business day, the incident will be recorded as a complaint in our Complaint Register.
If a complaint discloses a systemic issue, I will take immediate steps to ensure the issue is appropriately addressed.
The types of remedies available for resolving complaints or disputes
If a complaint is justified, the Complaints Officer will recommend a solution comprising one or more of the following:
- an apology
- compensation
- attempt to vary contractual obligations
- a free service.
Visibility
We take reasonable steps to ensure our clients know about the existence of our IDR procedures and how to make a complaint or apply for hardship or postponement. This information is readily available on our website and all staff and representatives who deal with clients have an understanding of our IDR procedures.
Objectivity
We will address each complaint in an equitable and objective manner. Where possible, the complaint will be investigated by a representative not involved in the subject matter of the complaint.
Charges
The IDR procedures are free of charge.
Confidentiality
We will keep all related information confidential.
Customer focused approach
We will be helpful, friendly and communicate in plain English, showing our commitment to resolving complaints.
Commitment
We are actively committed to efficient complaint handling and these procedures are published on our website.
Analysis and Evaluation of Complaints
All complaints will be classified and then analysed to identify systemic recurring and single incident problems and trends.
Complaint's communication example