Work of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme

Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) was set up in 2018. It is an independent mechanism for handling complaints of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The ICGS provides advice and support to all members of the parliamentary community, whether an individual chooses to make a formal complaint or not.

How does the ICGS operate?

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme consists of:

• Behaviour Code
• Bullying and Harassment policy
• Bullying and Harassment Procedure
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Sexual Misconduct Procedure

Full details of the complaints procedures are given on the ICGS webpages.

There are different guides depending on who is being complained against.

Making a Complaint, a Guide for Complainants (PDF) provides an overview of the process, whoever is being complained against.

Third Review of the ICGS

A review of the ICGS began on 23 October 2023. It is being conducted by Paul Kernaghan CBE, QPM, a former Lords Commissioner for Standards.

The terms of reference of the ICGS Review 2023 (PDF) were agreed by the Commissions of the House of Commons and House of Lords. 

Further reading on the background to the ICGS

For more information on the background to the establishment of the ICGS, see the Library research briefing, Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. For information on the establishment of the IEP, see the Library research briefing, Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme: independent investigation.