Privacy Policy

The privacy of users of this website is very important to Big Brothers Big Sisters  (BBBS).  BBBS respects your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information you provide to us.  This statement explains our policies and practices regarding the use and disclosure of your personal information by BBBS.  Please note that BBBS reviews and updates this policy from time to time as needed.  You should review the terms of this policy periodically to make sure you are aware of how BBBS collects and uses personal information.  The policy is always available in the footer of our website. You may also request a copy by contacting us.Personally identifiable information is not collected unless specifically submitted via an online registration function or registration form (volunteer inquiries and surveys for example), an electronic mail message, a phone call or postal mail.  All information is kept confidential – this is subject to any legal requirements to disclose.  BBBS will not maintain records on individuals without permission.  All information is protected by BBBS’s physical, electronic and managerial security methods, which are updated as necessary.

Information you provide may be used periodically to keep you informed of BBBS and its member agencies, including programs, services, opportunities to volunteer, events, funding needs, membership benefits.  If at any time you no longer wish to receive such information, please contact us at the phone number or email listed above.

Any website of BBBS may provide links to other third party websites.  These are provided for convenience only and you access them at your own risk.  Even if a third party is associated with BBBS through a business relationship or otherwise, BBBS are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices or content of such third party websites.

If you have any questions or concerns,  please contact our Executive Director.

Complaint Policy

This policy and procedure applies to complaints received by staff or Board members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron about our activities, programs, services, staff or volunteers.

A. Guiding Principles

  • It is in the interest of all parties that complaints are dealt with promptly and resolved as quickly as possible.
  • Review of complaints is fair, impartial and respectful to all parties.
  • Complainants are advised of their options to escalate their complaint to a more senior staff person if they are dissatisfied with treatment or outcome.
  • Complainants are provided clear and understandable reasons for decisions relating to complaints.
  • Updates are provided to complainants during review processes.
  • Complaints are used to assist in improving services, policies and procedures.

B. Types of Complaints

Definition: A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about the service, actions, or lack of action by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron as an organization or a staff member or volunteer acting on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • perceived failure to do something agreed upon;
  • failure to observe policy or procedures;
  • error made by a staff member/volunteer; or
  • unfair or discourteous actions/statements by staff member/volunteer;

Anyone personally affected can complain and their complaint will be reviewed in accordance with this procedure.

C. Complaint Receipt and Handling

A complaint may be received verbally (by phone or in person) or in writing (by complaint form, mail, fax, email). An employee or volunteer who receives a complaint should first determine the proper person to handle it. This will generally be the person who has the primary relationship with the complainant or has the specific knowledge that is needed to resolve the problem. It is the responsibility of the person who receives the complaint to either resolve it or transfer it to another person who can resolve it. If the complaint is transferred, the recipient must acknowledge to the transferor that they have received it and will act on it.

The person who initially receives the complaint should acknowledge to the complainant that the complaint has been received and will be acted on either by them or another employee. If a timeframe for action can be determined, that should be included in the acknowledgement. Basic contact information including name, phone number and email address should immediately be recorded.

D. Resolving the Complaint

Every effort should be made to resolve complaints received in a timely fashion. When receiving a verbal complaint, staff should listen and seek to understand the complaint, and may attempt to resolve it immediately. Complaints received in writing shall be acknowledged within two business days, and staff shall attempt to resolve the matter within ten business days.

Where a complaint cannot be easily resolved, it shall be escalated to the Director of Service Delivery. If they cannot resolve the complaint, it shall be escalated to the Vice President of Operations and/or President and CEO. If the complaint is about the President and CEO, it shall be handled by the Chair of the Board. Complainants should be kept informed of the status of their complaint. Every attempt should be made to resolve an escalated complaint within an additional ten business days, such that the complaint is resolved within a month of having been received.

E. Documenting the Complaint

It is necessary to keep a record of any complaint that involves a dispute over money as well as any complaint that cannot be resolved on the same day that it is received. Information about such complaints must be recorded on the complaints tracking worksheet. Information recorded on the worksheet is to include a description of the complaint, who handled it, what was done to resolve the complaint, timeframe, and a description of the resolution.

A summary of the complaints received, including number and type, shall be reported to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron’s Board of Directors annually.

To submit a complaint, please click the button below. If you experience challenges accessing the complaint form below, please email info.brucehuron@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca