Step 1 (Initial Assessment)
- The complaint is reviewed and decision made if it falls within scope, in accordance with 1.1 of the Scheme Rules
- In the event that a complaint cannot be accepted, the complainant will be notified of this within three weeks.
Step 2
- The complaint is passed to the service provider, which then has up to 28 days to confirm that it either wishes to defend or settle the complaint.
- If the service provider agrees to settle the complaint, the service provider has 28 days to implement the agreed remedy (such as pay compensation).
- If the service provider elects to defend the complaint, the complainant will be given 14 calendar days to provide any comment on the defence, if it raises any new information or evidence that was not provided in the Deadlock Letter (Consumer Response).
Step 3
- Following the Consumer Response, CommsADR will notify the parties that it has a ‘Complete Complaint File’. From this stage, no further information or evidence may be submitted by either party, unless the Chief Adjudicator of CommsADR authorises such submission.
Step 4
- At this stage, the complaint is dealt with by the Adjudicator’s office where a determination is made in writing. Determinations are produced within 90 calendar days of the Complete Complaint If the complaint is highly complex, CommsADR may extend the 90 day period, but must advise both parties of the additional time needed to make the Determination.
Please note:
Oral hearings (ie: face to face meetings or tele-conferences) will only take place if both parties agree.