1. To comply with the National Code.
2. To provide a harmonious learning environment where students can benefit most from their training. Therefore we aim to resolve disputes promptly and effectively to prevent further disruption.

Purpose and Scope

Responsibilities

• The International Wing Chun Academy endorses and requires all staff to comply with the principles of Equal Employment opportunity and Equity as defined in the Anti-discrimination Act (1977) and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act (1984) and ensure that all grievances are fairly dealt with.
• All staff members at the International Wing Chun Academy are responsible for receiving complaints and acknowledging grievances and reporting these to the State manager.
• The State Manager is responsible for resolving any disputes that have not been resolved by the immediate staff member.
• The Principal is responsible for resolving any disputes that have not been resolved by the state manager.
• ACPET is responsible for providing a panel of appropriately qualified and experienced independent mediators for selection (by the student), to resolve any disputes that are not resolved internally.
• Mediators are responsible for using learned mediation skills to bring the parties in conflict to a resolution.

Grievance Handling / Dispute Resolution Policy - Procedure:

• Upon initial application, intending students are made aware of the grievance handling/dispute resolution policy and are provided with the appropriate documentation.
• Any grievance made by a student to a staff member must be reported to the State Manager as soon as practicable.
• Staff members should handle grievances with discretion and avoid disruption to classes.
• Any grievances should be reported to the State Manager out of class time but if necessary troubled students should be removed from the training hall.
• The State Manager will in good faith attempt to resolve disputes that cannot be resolved by the immediate staff member.
• If in the event of an agreement not being reached, the grievance is directed to the Principal, who will meet with the state manager and the grieved student to further explore possible options for resolution.
• The student has the right to a nominee during grievance handling/dispute resolution proceedings if the student so chooses.
• If at this stage an agreement has not been reached students are referred to the ACPET state office.
• ACPET will provide a panel of members for selection by the mediator and will organise a mediator within 5 working days of the mediation request.
• The fee for the mediator will be shared between both the Academy and the student on an agreed or negotiated (as part of the mediation process) basis, consideration will be given to the fact that any associated costs should be inexpensive.
• The International Wing Chun Academy will provide an interview sized room for mediation sessions.
• The chosen mediator will use learned mediation skills to bring the parties in conflict to a resolution and remain impartial while doing so.
• If a solution has not been reached at this stage the student shall be informed of their right to seek their own legal representation and appeal in accordance with the relevant State of federal law.