Skip to Content

Complaints Policy

Further questionsTypes of actions we can takeTypes of complaintsReview processLodging a complaintIntroduction

Introduction

This policy outlines the process for receiving and taking action on complaints made about the conduct of research and evaluation activities that have been approved by Iris Ethics.

Lodging a complaint

To lodge a complaint, please email: complaints@irisethics.com.au 

So that we can review your complaint quickly, please try to provide as much detail as possible about the project, including:

  • The organisation and researchers/evaluators conducting the project
  • The name of the project and any reference numbers you have been given (these should be on your consent form if you were provided with one)
  • Details of why you are lodging your complaint
  • What you would like us to do in response to your complaint
  • Whether you want us to contact you regarding your complaint
  • Whether you consent to us sharing information about your complaint with the researchers/evaluators
  • Whether you wish to be identified in any information shared

Any information provided will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy.



Review process

The Managing Director will receive the complaint and acknowledge this to you as soon as possible. Your complaint will then be forwarded to the Iris Ethics Human Research Ethics Committee Chair for review and action, except where the Chair is the subject of the complaint, in which case, the Managing Director will be responsible for the handling of the complaint. Where both the Managing Director and Chair are the subject of a complaint, external independent advice will be sought.

The complaint will be investigated, which may include assessment of existing records in relation to the project, as well as the collection of further information from stakeholders.

Iris Ethics will keep a record of the outcome of the complaint including actions taken, and notify you at the earliest possible time of this outcome. 

Types of complaints


Complaints may be related to one or more of the following issues:

  • Participation, recruitment and consent for a research or evaluation activity
  • Activities not being compliant with the approved evaluation plan or research plan
  • Misuse of data, including the use of AI systems in violation of the Iris Ethics AI Policy or conditions for ethical approval
  • Breaches of privacy or confidentiality
  • Processes for review and approval
  • Outputs of AI tools employed as part of activities


Types of actions we can take

Based on the complaint, Iris Ethics may take the following actions, including but not limited to:

  • Notifying the project's team of the complaint
  • Request further information from the relevant project's team, including evidence of compliance with the terms of approval
  • Suspension of the approval of a project
  • Revocation of the approval of a project
  • Imposing of conditions on the project to maintain approval
  • Requests for research data to be provided for secure storage
  • Advisory of the National Health and Medical Research Council of the complaint

Further questions

Further information and assistance can be received by contacting us at: complaints@irisethics.com.au  

Last updated: 10 May 2025