You might want to complain if you consider the actions or behaviour of a person or organisation is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. By making a complaint you are seeking an apology and/or the resolution of a problem.
If you are unsure if you wish to complain or whistleblow, please read this page first.
Who or what do you want to complain about?
There are different methods to follow according to who you wish to complain about. Please see the appropriate section below:
a. A member of the clergy
There are many different types of clergy in the Church of England, including bishops, archdeacons, vicars, rectors, curates, deans, canons, chaplains, and many more. If you are unsure about whether a person is a member of the clergy, please ask andy.waddams@coventry.anglican.org .
A high standard of integrity and service is expected of our clergy. Mostly that standard is met, but occasionally individual clergy can fall short of what is expected. When this occurs there are different ways to respond:
1. When it is a minor incident or behaviour, you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the clergy person concerned and resolve it together.
2. When that is insufficient, a word with the Archdeacon Pastor will lead to someone on the bishop’s staff speaking to the member of the clergy concerned. Please contact the Acting Archdeacon Pastor, The Reverend Tim Cockell , 07365 200354, tim.cockell@Coventry.Anglican.org.
3. Only when the problem is more serious and may amount to misconduct which warrants disciplinary action, will the provisions of the Clergy Discipline Measure be required. The Measure provides a procedure for handling such complaints of misconduct. Further information can be found in the Church of England leaflet entitled "I have a complaint about misconduct by a member of the clergy – what can I do?"
Please note that this is a national process which is used throughout the Church of England.
If you reach step 3, we recommend that you use a form which can be downloaded from here. This ensures that we have all the relevant information to deal with your complaint.
If you have difficulty with forms or written material, we can provide a person to assist you. Please contact
Christine Camfield
Tel: 024 7667 2244
christine.camfield@bishop-coventry.org
b. A church, a church officer or a church member
1. In the first instance you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the person concerned and resolve it together.
2. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, a word with the church clergy (e.g. the vicar, rector or priest-in-charge) will usually lead to someone speaking to the person concerned, so that the matter can be dealt with and rectified.
c. The Diocesan Office or a member of staff
For complaints about the Diocesan Office or a member of staff, in the first instance you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the person concerned and resolve it together. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please follow the complaints procedure as set out in the DBF Compliments, Comments and Complaints Policy and Procedure.
For further information please contact the Director of Operations:
Stephen Davenport
Tel: 024 7652 1346
stephen.davenport@coventry.anglican.org
d. Coventry Cathedral, a member of staff or a volunteer
For complaints about Coventry Cathedral, a member of staff, or a volunteer, in the first instance you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the person concerned, and resolve it together.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please contact:
Simon Danks
Tel: 024 7652 1242
simon.danks@coventrycathedral.org.uk.
If your complaint is about anything else, our Director of Communications will be pleased to point you to the most appropriate person. Please contact:
Andy Waddams
Tel: 07507 196495
andy.waddams@coventry.anglican.org.uk