The Formal Grievance Procedure should be used to resolve the interpersonal conflict between individuals and report issues with existing CARR policy that a Certified Residence believes should be examined before the next annual policy recertification.

The Formal Grievance Procedure should not be used for retribution or personal/agency gain.

The Formal Grievance Procedure includes but is not limited to the investigation, validation, and recommendation of the Ethics Standards Committee regarding the standing of the Certified Residence and sanctions and revocation of their certification to the CARR Board, when necessary.

The Formal Grievance Process

It’s important to follow the grievance or complaint procedures carefully and to document all pertinent facts, dates and information when filing a report or claim.

Step 1: Filing

A Formal Grievance should be filed within 30 days of when the complainant became aware or suspected the violation of ethics or standards. The Formal Grievance should be documented on the CARR Formal Grievance Form, provide contact information and be signed; Verbal and non-signed grievances will not be acted upon. 

Step 2: Submission

The CARR Formal Grievance Form should be submitted online via the CARR website. If a perceived conflict exists, grievances may be submitted directly to the CARR Ethics Standards Committee Chairperson, the CARR Board of Directors Chairman, or CARR’s General Counsel.

Step 3: Notification of Receipt

The grievant should be notified by email or telephone within five business days of the Executive Director’s receipt of the grievance. The Executive Director of CARR forwards a copy of the Grievance to the CARR Ethics Standards Committee Chairperson for review and discussion.

Step 4: Investigation

Within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint, the CARR Ethics Standards Committee will initiate an objective investigation of the matter and record the findings in writing; An extension of no more than 30 days may be granted for investigations that take longer than the initial 30-day timeframe. No Ethics Committee or Executive Member shall intentionally try to stall, prolong, or delay proceedings. The complainant /grievant and respondent may be requested to appear separately in front of the Ethics Standards Committee. Written notice of the time and date will be sent to the grievant at least ten days prior to the hearing.

Step 5: Presentation to the Board

CARR Ethics Standards Committee will present to the CARR Executive Members in executive session at the next meeting. The presentation shall include the complaint/grievance, an investigation summary including an objective account of everything that transpired to result in the grievance and as well as anything that has occurred because of the grievance, and the recommended action to be taken.

Step 6: Board Decision / Recommendations

CARR Board of Directors will discuss and make a formal recommendation for a vote at the next general meeting during an executive session. A report of the findings, voting results and corrective actions to be taken will be provided to the grievance via email within 14 business days after the general meeting. The proceedings will be recorded in general meeting minutes to keep an official record but will be redacted from public view.

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