How do I give feedback, appeal a decision or make a complaint?
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How do I give feedback?
The DSA Office is always striving to improve its service, so if you have some feedback (positive or negative) please email your comments to
How do I appeal a decision made about my DSA?
Definition of an appeal
A request for a review of a decision taken by an individual in the DSA Office.
You must base your case for appeal on more than a statement of disagreement with the decision taken. It should be based on a material procedural irregularity or because you have evidence that was not previously available to the DSA Office or individual who made the decision about which you are appealing.
Timescales
You must make your appeal within a reasonable time. This should be no more than 28 days after the decision was conveyed to you.
If you want to appeal against a DSA decision you should
- make your appeal to the DSA Office in writing
- state the decision you are concerned about
- set out the grounds for your appeal
- refer to any earlier communication
- always be polite.
The DSA Office does not accept appeals made by third parties on behalf of a student unless we have written confirmation from the student that they are happy for the third party to make an appeal on their behalf.
Procedure
We are only able to accept appeals made in writing as this ensures that we have an accurate record of your concerns. Concise numbered points can be a helpful way to set the situation out clearly and you should provide any supporting evidence available to you.
If you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to put your appeal in writing we can arrange for details of your appeal to be taken over the phone then submitted in writing on your behalf.
Once your appeal has been considered you will be sent a reply directly from the person who has considered your case.
TopHow do I make a complaint?
Before making a formal complaint you should contact the DSA Office
01908 654136
to explain your problem and see if they can offer any guidance or suggest a solution so that your issue can be resolved informally.
Try to give as much information as possible, such as details of letters and application forms sent, dates, and names of people spoken to previously.
However if you have not been able to resolve your issue informally you may wish to make a formal complaint. Please go to Resolving your concerns, complaints and appeals which outlines what you need to do next.
Information for all students:
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Financial support and Disabled Students' Allowances
- Disabled Students' Allowance
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DSA Questions and Answers
- Applying for a DSA
- Getting the awarded equipment / training
- What is a study support helper?
- How do I make a claim from my general/travel allowance?
- How do I apply for continued DSA funding in subsequent academic years?
- How do I apply for support at Residential School?
- What if my study needs change?
- What if I withdraw?
- How do I give feedback, appeal a decision or make a complaint?
- If you are not eligible for a Disabled Students' Allowance
- DSA eligibility quiz
- What we can do
- Decide what you need
- Accessibility - using a computer for OU study
- Student stories
- Contacts
- Publications and forms
Information about:
Disabled Students' Allowance - are you eligible?
Use the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) eligibility quiz to find out if you are eligible for funding. It should take you less than three minutes to complete.
