Complaints

It is quite rare for Alexander Technique Canada (ATC) to receive complaints about its registered teachers. However, individuals should know that there is a process in place should someone wish to step forward to complain, and that ATC takes complaints very seriously.

Individuals or institutions who have a complaint regarding a certified Alexander Technique teacher may initially register their complaint in writing via a confidential email to the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC):

Marta Hunter, Chair, Johanna Godliman, and Sharon Blair-Chow
professionalconduct@alexandertechniquecanada.ca

Initial Steps

The Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) only responds to, and adjudicates written complaints about alleged serious misconduct or violations of ATC’s Bylaw, Code of Professional Conduct, or other policies. Neither the PCC nor Council will respond to any anonymous complaints.

Complaints must contain the full name, phone number, and email address of the complainant.

A complaint must be filed within two years from the date that the alleged misconduct occurred or was discovered. However, the PCC has the discretion to extend the period in which a complaint can be filed if the complainant has provided reasonable grounds for such an extension.

Complaints can be received from students, trainees, teaching assistants, guests, visiting teachers, post-graduate apprentices in training schools, members, colleagues of members, Council, and institutions. In response to a complaint from a student, a member is obligated to inform the student of the option of registering a formal complaint with the PCC.

Investigation

The PCC will contact the complainant by phone or electronic meeting within one week of receiving the complaint to gather any additional evidence or information that might be relevant or may clarify the complaint further.

The PCC will contact the respondent by phone or electronic meeting to gather information to ensure understanding of the complaint. The PCC will request a written response from the respondent.

Third-party witnesses noted by the complainant or respondent who are willing to speak to the PCC will be contacted by phone or electronic meeting. The witnesses may be asked to provide a written response.

Both complainant and respondent have one further opportunity to respond to evidence presented.

The PCC will take detailed notes of all phone and electronic meeting conversations, which may be recorded.

The Chair of the PCC will review ATC’s disciplinary records to see if there are any records relevant to the current complaint.

Once the PCC has completed the adjudication process and come to a decision, it will present its findings to the complainant and the respondent in writing.

Appeal Process

Any complainants or respondents who want to challenge the decision or disciplinary action taken by the PCC have access to an appeal process through Council.

Council shall be guided by the same principles of due process and natural justice that the PCC follows.

Appeals to disciplinary decisions by the PCC must be made in writing to the Council of ATC within 30 days of the date of notification of the PCC’s decision. The full Council shall review and adjudicate an appeal within 60 days of receiving the appeal request.

A majority decision of Council shall be binding and final. It may choose to uphold the original PCC ruling, strike it down, or accept the finding but decrease or increase the severity of disciplinary actions.

“I was introduced to the Alexander Technique . . . over two years of private lessons at McGill. AT has become, for me, not only a method for achieving ideal body use, but also a mode of thought that plays an invaluable part in my performing, teaching and learning. Alexander Technique’s contribution to my development as a musician and a human being is incalculable. Don’t want to sound like I’m overselling it, but it’s the truth!”

 – Eric Braley