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The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS)

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) is for all current and former members of the parliamentary community. It’s the first of its kind in any Parliament in the world.

The ICGS can help you if you are affected by bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct in any way, including:

  • experiencing it
  • witnessing it
  • being accused of it

In this section

Making a complaint

This section explains what happens if you are thinking about making a complaint to the ICGS, how to make a complaint if you think you have experienced bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct, and what happens at each stage when you make a complaint.

A complaint has been made about me

A respondent is someone who has had a complaint made about them. These pages explain how the complaints process works and what you can expect at each step.

Supporting someone with a complaint

This guide summarises what to do if you are supporting someone involved in an Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) investigation. It explains your role as a trusted supporter, your responsibilities, and where you can get help.

Being a witness in an ICGS investigation

This guide explains what happens if you are asked to be a witness in an Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) investigation. It tells you what to expect, what you may be asked to do, and how your information will be used.

Get support

If you feel you have experienced, witnessed or are aware of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, you can speak to a range of people and services for support.

ICGS annual reports and quarterly statistics

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) publishes statistics about how the scheme is being used, the number of calls to the ICGS helpline, and the number of investigations.

ICGS policies and procedures

The ICGS operates under the ICGS Policy Framework and ICGS Procedures. These documents, alongside the Behaviour Code, all work together to provide a framework to create a respectful working environment and to respond to any complaints of unacceptable behaviour promptly, fairly and effectively.

ICGS processes

This section provides guidance on some key steps in the ICGS processes for anyone who needs extra information.

ICGS service standards

We understand that making an Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) complaint and going through an investigation can be challenging. We have established service standards as part of our commitment to guiding you through this process with care and professionalism.

ICGS roles and responsibilities

The ICGS is a scheme made up of different teams and bodies across Parliament who work together to make sure complaints are handled fairly and consistently.

Privacy notice for the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme

This privacy notice provides you with information about how we collect and use personal data for the purposes of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

ICGS Helpline

The ICGS Helpline provides independent and politically impartial advice. It is run by Victim Support, an independent charity.

The helpline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone: 0808 168 9281 (freephone)

Text relay: 18001 0808 168 9281

Email: support@ICGShelpline.org.uk

If you cannot contact the helpline during these hours, they can arrange an evening call with you. You will need to arrange this with them in advance.

Contact us

We welcome feedback from everyone who uses the ICGS to help us improve our services.

Email: icgs@parliament.uk

If you have questions about investigations conducted by the Lords Commissioners for Standards, please contact the Lords Commissioners Office (email: lordsstandards@parliament.uk).

Media inquiries

House of Commons

Phone: 020 7219 0969

Email: HOCMediaCorporate@parliament.uk

House of Lords

Phone: 020 7219 8550

Email: lordspressoffice@parliament.uk

ICGS Privacy Notice

Read the ICGS Privacy Notice.

Contact the ICGS helpline

Anyone who is, or has been, part of the parliamentary community can contact the ICGS helpline for independent and politically impartial advice.

Telephone: 0808 168 9281 (freephone)

Text relay: 18001 0808 168 9281

Email: support@ICGShelpline.org.uk

Our opening hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. If you are unable to contact us during our normal opening hours we can arrange to speak to you in the evening by prior arrangement.

Find out more about the ICGS helpline