Ethics Committee
Procedure for Filing and Reviewing Complaints and Appeals on Ethical Issues
1. General Provisions
This Procedure defines the mechanism for filing, registering, reviewing, and resolving complaints, statements, and reports of violations of academic and corporate ethics, principles of sustainable development (ESG), anti-corruption legislation, human rights, and internal regulatory documents of K. Kulazhanov Kazakh University of Technology and Business (hereinafter referred to as the University).
The procedure is developed in accordance with the requirements of the quality management system ISO 9001:2015, ESG principles, the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the internal documents of the University.
2. Who Can File an Appeal
The following are entitled to file a complaint or appeal:
- students of all levels of education;
- applicants;
- teaching staff;
- administrative and management personnel;
- University employees;
- alumni;
- parents (legal representatives of students);
- employers, partners, and suppliers;
- other interested parties.
3. Grounds for Filing an Appeal
An appeal may be filed in cases of identified:
- violations of the Code of Academic Integrity;
- violations of the Code of Corporate Ethics;
- corruption manifestations or conflicts of interest;
- discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other forms of unethical behavior;
- violations of the rights of students and employees;
- violations of occupational health, safety, and environmental safety requirements;
- violations of ESG and sustainable development principles;
- abuse of official position;
- other actions contrary to the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and internal documents of the University.
4. Ways to File an Appeal
An appeal can be sent in one of the following ways:
5. Requirements for Appeal Content
It is recommended to indicate in the appeal:
- description of the circumstances and the essence of the appeal;
- date, time, and place of the event;
- information about the participants of the incident (if any);
- available documents, photos, or other evidence;
- contact details for feedback.
6. Procedure for Reviewing Appeals
Registration of the Appeal
All received appeals are registered by the responsible department within 1 working day from the date of receipt.
Confirmation of Receipt
If the appeal is not anonymous, a notification of registration of the appeal is sent to the applicant within 3 working days.
Initial Assessment
The authorized person conducts a preliminary analysis of the appeal and determines: whether the issue falls within the competence of the University; whether an internal investigation is required; whether there are signs of violation of legislation, ethical norms, or ESG principles. The period for the initial assessment is up to 5 working days.
Review of the Appeal
If necessary, a commission or working group is created with the participation of representatives of interested departments. As part of the review, the following may be conducted: request for additional information; study of documents; obtaining written explanations; conducting interviews and official audits. The period for reviewing the appeal is no more than 30 calendar days. If an additional check is necessary, the period may be extended, but by no more than 30 calendar days, of which the applicant is additionally notified.
Decision Making
Based on the results of the review, one or more decisions are made: recognition of the fact of violation; adoption of corrective and preventive measures; referral of materials to competent authorities; application of disciplinary measures; closing the appeal in the absence of confirmed facts.
Informing the Applicant
The applicant is provided with information about the results of the review of the appeal in an amount that does not contradict the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on personal data protection and confidentiality.
7. Guarantees of Confidentiality and Protection of Applicants
8. Monitoring and System Improvement
Information on received appeals is analyzed annually within the functioning of the quality management system and ESG management to:
- identify systemic risks;
- improve the quality of educational and management processes;
- improve corporate culture;
- prevent repeated violations;
- increase transparency and accountability of the University's activities.
9. Responsible Department
Compliance Service / Ethics Officer of K. Kulazhanov Kazakh University of Technology and Business