Complaints Process Overview
- Complaints can be made across a number of different areas that affect the work of the IMA, Members of the IMA, and Employees of the IMA.
- The language in the complaints procedures focuses on the words ‘complaint’, ‘competence’, ‘code of conduct’ and ‘professionalism’.
- Using very separate language the IMA Executive Board has approved a short guidance note on ‘Behaviour at IMA Events’ which was drafted to address unseemly behaviour.
The following text provides guidance on the categorisation and processing of complaints.
- Complaints related to the Professional Misconduct of Chartered Mathematicians and / or Chartered Scientists
For complaints that could lead to an individual being stripped of her / his CMath and / or CSci designation, the Code of Professional Conduct for IMA Chartered Mathematicians and IMA Chartered Scientists shall apply. All complaints shall be addressed / forwarded to the Executive Director in the first instance. The complaint will be managed in accordance with the IMA Disciplinary Process for Advanced and Chartered Members. The process will, in the main, be managed by the Professional Affairs Committee.
- Complaints related to the Misconduct of FIMAs and MIMAs (Advanced Members)
For complaints that could lead to an individual being stripped of her / his FIMA or MIMA membership, the Code of Conduct for IMA Advanced Members shall apply. All complaints shall be addressed / forwarded to the Executive Director in the first instance. The complaint will be managed in accordance with the IMA Disciplinary Process for Advanced and Chartered Members. The process will, in the main, be managed by the Professional Affairs Committee.
- Complaints related to the Misconduct of IMA Associate Members, Affiliate Members and Student Members (General Members)
For complaints that could lead to an individual being stripped of her / his Associate, Affiliate or Student Membership, the Code of Conduct for IMA Associate Members, Affiliate Members and Student Members shall apply. All complaints shall be addressed / forwarded to the Executive Director in the first instance.
- Publishing Ethical Misconduct
For complaints that relate to IMA publishing, the complaint will normally be managed by the IMA Journals Board of Management, working with our Publisher OUP to follow the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
- Staff Misconduct
For complaints related to IMA staff members, the IMA employee handbook and current HR legislation will apply. The complaint will normally be managed by the Executive Director together with the Honorary Treasurer. All complaints should be addressed / forwarded to the Executive Director, except for complaints about the Executive Director which should be addressed to the Honorary Treasurer.
- Chartered Mathematics Teachers
Although the Chartered Mathematics Teacher designation is covered by the IMA Charter and Byelaws, all matters to do with complaints relating to the conduct of Chartered Mathematics Teachers will be dealt with by the Chartered Mathematics Teacher Registration Authority.
- Other Categories
Complaints which are not related to the headings above should be forwarded to the Executive Director. The Executive Director may categorise complaints as major or minor. The processing of such complaints will normally be managed in a process informed by the processes set out above.
Care should be taken that no process should be adopted which runs contrary to the few words on this topic in the Royal Charter – Byelaws 27-29.
Behaviour at IMA Events
The IMA is proud that it has a diverse membership, and wants all members, guests and attendees to enjoy their time at IMA events. We all want others to behave courteously toward us, and consequently we should all behave courteously to other members, guests and attendees.
If any attendee at an IMA event considers that another’s behaviour towards them is unwanted and not respectful and dignified, then they should make their views known to the event organiser or an IMA member of staff.
Anyone who is judged not to be behaving with appropriate courtesy towards their fellow attendees will be asked to leave the event.