Industrial action (strike) complaints
What, how and when you can make a complaint about the impact of strike action at Goldsmiths.
Primary page content
Goldsmiths prides itself on providing a high-quality education to its students, but we also recognise when we fall short of the standards we aspire to. Regrettably, the 2022-23 academic year has been challenging due to industrial action as a result of a national dispute over pensions and pay and working conditions.
Two different forms of action have been taken at Goldsmiths since the start of 2023. We are managing complaints around these separately.
Office of the Independent Adjudicator information
In responding to complaints, we follow guidance from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). We recommend that you read their FAQs on industrial action.
The OIA has said the following regarding complaints made by students about industrial action:
“Your provider may do several things to try to ensure that you are not disadvantaged because of the industrial action. They may be able to re-schedule missed teaching or offer a different way to deliver the content. Providers may also take the industrial action into account when deciding how to carry out assessments. You might not be entitled to a financial remedy if the provider is able to take steps to put things right another way.”
“Your provider might offer you a financial remedy, particularly if it is unable to take any other action to put the situation right.”
All students have the right to refer their complaints to the OIA following receipt of a completion of procedures letter.