Last reviewed: March 2026
Summary: From time to time McFarlane Music may receive complaints or information about the conduct of its teachers or associates which necessitate further investigation. This Procedure sets out the steps to be followed in these circumstances. Fairness to the person who is the subject of any complaint will always be important. Where a concern is relatively minor, it may be possible to resolve the matter informally. Where the concern relates to alleged conduct of a criminal nature, McFarlane Music will take into account any police investigation, including any arrest or charge.
1.1 McFarlane Music may receive complaints or information about the conduct of its teachers, associates, or pupils which necessitate further investigation. This Procedure sets out the steps to be followed in those circumstances.
1.2 Fairness to the person who is the subject of any complaint will always be paramount. Where a concern is relatively minor in nature, it may be possible to resolve the matter informally without invoking a formal procedure.
2.1 Concerns about the conduct of a teacher or associate of McFarlane Music should be submitted in writing and addressed to Jordan W. McFarlane. In the case of information raising child protection issues, concerns should be directed to the McFarlane Music Designated Safeguarding Lead in the first instance.
2.2 Concerns may be submitted by email or letter. Contact details are provided at the foot of this document.
2.3 Issues relating to client confidentiality in the context of legal advice will be carefully considered and, if necessary, referred to the appropriate professional body or legal adviser for guidance.
3.1 In a child protection matter, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) shall consider the concern and, if appropriate, refer it for immediate attention. The DSL will also decide whether the matter should be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
3.2 In the event that a child protection concern is raised, the DSL shall collate all available evidence as soon as possible and will advise the person concerned of the range of actions which may be taken.
3.3 Following investigation of a child protection concern, the possible outcomes are:
3.4 Where the recommendation is to terminate an engagement, the person concerned will be informed in writing of the decision and the reasons for it, and will be advised of their right of appeal as set out in Section 6.
4.1 In non child protection matters, Jordan W. McFarlane shall decide whether concerns require further investigation.
4.2 Where a concern is raised that does not relate to child protection, Jordan W. McFarlane will collate all available evidence and prepare a written summary of findings. The possible outcomes are:
Where a formal investigation is required, the following process will be followed:
5.1 Where the person fails to appear at a hearing, McFarlane Music will consider any explanation offered. The hearing may proceed in the person's absence or be adjourned to another date. Only in the most exceptional circumstances would it be appropriate to adjourn a hearing more than once.
5.2 If the decision is taken to terminate an engagement, the person concerned will not normally be re-engaged by McFarlane Music.
6.1 Where any sanction is imposed following a hearing, the person concerned has the right to appeal. The appeal will be considered by an independent person not previously involved in the matter.
6.2 The person must notify McFarlane Music in writing of their intention to appeal within 14 days of receiving written notification of the outcome, setting out the grounds for their appeal.
6.3 The appeal hearing will normally take place within 28 days of the appeal being received, on a date agreed with the person concerned, with at least 14 days' notice given. The person has the right to make written and/or oral representations and to be accompanied by a friend or colleague.
6.4 New evidence will not normally be admitted at the appeal hearing unless it has come to light since the original hearing, or there is good reason why it was not presented at that stage.
6.5 At the conclusion of the appeal, the decision-maker has the power to uphold the original decision or to reduce or increase the severity of the sanction imposed. A written decision will be provided within 7 days of the appeal hearing.
6.6 The decision of the appeal will be final.
7.1 Jordan W. McFarlane has the power to suspend any engagement with immediate effect for a maximum of 30 days on the following grounds:
7.2 Where an immediate suspension is exercised, the person concerned will be informed in writing of the reasons for the suspension and of the next steps in the process.
8.1 Any written communication required under these procedures will be sent by first class post or email to the address last notified to McFarlane Music. Communications sent by first class post shall be deemed received two working days after posting. Communications sent by email shall be deemed received on the day of sending, unless sent outside normal business hours in which case they will be deemed received the following working day.
Safeguarding: For child protection concerns, please also refer to our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.
To raise a concern or submit a complaint, please contact:
This policy is reviewed annually.