Complain about a school

Types of complaints

There are different ways to complain in England depending on whether your child:

attends a state school

attends a private school

has special educational needs (SEN)

Schools may not consider complaints about behaviour that happens outside the school’s hours or premises – check the school’s behaviour policy.

There are different ways to complain about schools in:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Other types of complaint

For some types of complaint you need to contact a different agency.

Complaint | Who to contact

Child protection | Local council

Criminal behaviour | Police

Data protection | Information Commissioner’s Office

Discrimination | Equality Advisory and Support Service

Employment | An employment tribunal

Exam malpractice or maladministration (SATs) | Standards and testing agency

Exam malpractice or maladministration (secondary school) | Ofqual and the awarding body

Legal advice

You can get free legal advice about schooling and education from Child Law Advice.

State schools

State schools include:

maintained schools

academies and free schools

Contact your local council or call your local police on 101 if you think a child is at risk. Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

How to complain

Contact the school to discuss the problem first - most problems can be solved this way.

Follow all the steps in the school’s complaints procedure to make a formal complaint. Every school in England must have one. It’s often on the school’s website and should tell you the kind of complaints the school deals with.

You may not be able to complain to academies or free schools if you do not have a child at the school.

You can complain to the Department for Education (DfE) directly if:

a child is at risk

a child is missing school

the school (the school’s) is stopping you from following its (the school’s) complaints procedure (the school’s complaints procedure)

If you think your complaint was not dealt with correctly

You can ask DfE (the Department for Education (DfE)) to consider your complaint if you’ve followed all the steps in the school’s complaints procedure.

Tell Ofsted about a problem

Ofsted cannot respond to or resolve individual complaints but you can still tell Ofsted about a problem with a school. They (Ofsted) can use the information you provide to decide when to inspect and what areas to focus the inspection on.

Private schools

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

Make a complaint

Follow the school’s complaints procedure - every school in England must have one. It (a complaint) should be published on the school’s (a school) website.

It (one) should tell you what kind of complaints the school (a school) will deal with, such as bullying or bad behaviour.

You cannot complain directly to a private school if you do not have a child at the school.

Further complaints

The Department for Education (DfE) cannot investigate individual complaints about private schools. But it (the Department for Education (DfE)) has certain powers as a regulator if the school is not meeting standards set by DfE (the Department for Education (DfE)) for:

education

pupil welfare and health and safety

school premises

staff suitability

making information available to parents

spiritual, moral, social or cultural development of students

DfE (the Department for Education (DfE)) will consider any reports of a major failure to meet the standards. It (the Department for Education (DfE)) can arrange an emergency inspection to look at pupil welfare and health and safety, and make sure serious failings are dealt with.

DfE (the Department for Education (DfE)) can ask the school inspectorates to take minor complaints into account when the school is next inspected.

You can complain to the DfE (the Department for Education (DfE)) by filling in the school complaints form.

Special educational needs (SEN)

If you want to complain about a school’s SEN support, you should do it while your child is still registered at the school.

This (a school’s SEN support) includes complaints that the school (a school’s) has not provided the support required by your child’s SEN statement or education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Make a complaint

Follow these steps in order. Move on to the next step if your complaint is not resolved.

Talk to the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

Follow the school’s complaints procedure.

Complain to your local authority.

Complain to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) instead of the local authority (your local authority) if both the following apply:

the school is an academy or free school

your complaint is not about an SEN statement or an EHC plan

There’s a different process if you disagree with a decision your local authority has made about an SEN statement or an EHC plan.

Disability discrimination

Follow the school’s complaints process (the school’s complaints procedure) if you believe a school has discriminated against someone because of their disability.

If this (Follow) does not solve the problem, or you do not want to complain to the school (a school) first, you may be able to complain to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal.

Who can complain to the SEND tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal)

You can complain to the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) if you’re:

someone with parental responsibility for a young person, or their foster parent or carer

a young person over school leaving age but under 18

You can complain to the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) about:

a school, nursery or pupil referral unit maintained by a local authority

an independent school

a free school, including an academy

You cannot complain to the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) about:

a private nursery, unless it’s part of a school

a further education college

an organisation using a school’s premises

Complain to the SEND tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal)

You must send your complaint to the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) within 6 months of the discrimination taking place. If you send your complaint more than 6 months later, you’ll be asked to explain why.

Your complaint can include events which happened more than 6 months ago, as long as these directly relate to events that have taken place in the last 6 months. The tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) must be able to treat events as a single complaint about one ongoing issue.

For example, if your child was permanently excluded from school after a series of fixed-term exclusions which you believe were all because of the child’s disability, the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) could treat them as a single complaint.

It’s free to make a complaint to the SEND tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal).

Download and fill in:

form SEND4A if you’re a parent making a complaint on behalf of a child

form SEND4B if you’re a young person above school leaving age making a complaint for yourself

The address to send it (your complaint) to is on the form (form SEND4B).

You can include details of up to 5 witnesses who you’d like to bring to the hearing on your form (form SEND4B).

Contact the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) if you have any questions about completing the form (form SEND4B). They (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) cannot give you legal advice.

Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal

Help you can get

Check if you can get legal aid.

You can also get free help and advice from:

the Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

your local Parent Partnership Service through the Information, Advice and Support Services (IASS) Network

After you make your complaint

Once the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) has registered your complaint, it (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) will ask you and the school you’re complaining about if you agree to the complaint (your complaint) being decided without a hearing.

If you both agree, the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) will make a decision about your complaint.

If you do not agree, the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) will send you a letter telling you if they (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal)’ll hold a hearing, and when and where it’ll take place.

You can complain to the Department for Education (DfE) about a school if the SEND tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) will not handle your case.

Attending the hearing

You may be able to attend the hearing by video link. If you do need to attend in person, the hearing will be close to your home.

Change or withdraw your complaint before the hearing

Download and fill in:

form SEND7 to change your complaint, for example to ask for a different hearing date or add more witnesses

form SEND8 to withdraw your complaint

What happens at the hearing

The hearing will usually be attended by:

up to 3 tribunal members

a clerk

someone representing the school or local authority you’re complaining about

witnesses

You do not have to go to the hearing, but if you do you can ask questions and present the case yourself. If you’re complaining as a young person, your parents can come to the hearing.

Fill in the attendance form if you want to bring:

someone to represent you

someone to support you

witnesses

You can ask to have an interpreter at the hearing. They’ll translate what happens but they cannot represent you or give you legal advice.

You might be asked questions by:

your legal representative (if you have one)

the local authority’s representative

You’ll usually get a letter with the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision within 10 working days of the hearing.

Claiming expenses

You might be able to claim travel expenses for going to the hearing.

Your witnesses might also be able to claim expenses for travel and loss of earnings.

If you bring a friend or relative to the hearing, you might also be able to claim for their travel costs.

If your complaint is successful

The school or local authority must act on the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision within a set amount of time.

You can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman if a local authority does not keep to the decision.

Local Government Ombudsman (the Local Government Ombudsman)

If your complaint is not successful

The letter giving the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision (a letter with the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision) will tell you how to apply to:

get the decision (the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision) ‘set aside’ (cancelled) if you think there’s been a mistake in the process

ask the tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) to ‘review’ the decision (the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision), for example if your circumstances have changed since you got the decision (the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision) or the decision (the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision) contains a mistake

You can also ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals) Chamber if you think the SEND tribunal (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) has made a mistake and acted against the law.

You must ask for permission to appeal within 28 days of the date on the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision letter (a letter with the tribunal’s (the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal) decision).


School admissions

Choosing schools

If you live in England contact your local council to find:

state-funded schools in your area

admission criteria for the schools you’re interested in

The process is different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You can also contact your local council to apply for places at state schools in other areas. You can search online to find schools in England.

Private schools or home schooling

If you’re looking for a place at a private school (also called ‘independent schools’), contact the school directly.

You can also choose to teach your child at home, known as home schooling.

Children with special educational needs (SEN)

If your child has SEN (special educational needs (SEN), their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan will name a school for them. The school must give your child a place.

You can ask your local council to carry out an assessment if you think your child needs additional support with their educational, health and social needs.

Find out about a primary or secondary school

You can find out more by:

visiting the school (a primary or secondary school) - most schools have open days

reading the school’s (a primary or secondary school) most recent Ofsted reports

checking school performance tables

talking to other parents about what they think of the school (a primary or secondary school)

What schools must publish on their website

Schools’ (schools) websites must include:

admission arrangements, including how to apply

details of the curriculum

behaviour policy

links to Ofsted reports (the school’s (a primary or secondary school) most recent Ofsted reports)

links to performance data

the school’s latest key stage 2 and 4 attainment and progress measures

their (schools) policies for children with special educational needs and disabilities

the amount of money they (schools) get for taking underprivileged children (the ‘pupil premium’), what they (schools) do with it and the effect it’s had

You can also get advice about choosing state-funded schools from your local council.

Admission criteria

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. The school or local council usually set these.

Admission criteria are different for each school. They may give priority to children:

who live close to the school

who have a brother or sister at the school already

from a particular religion (for faith schools)

who pass an entrance exam (for selective schools, for example grammar schools)

who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’)

who are eligible for the pupil premium or the service pupil premium

whose parent has worked at the school for 2 years or more

Your local council can give you information about schools’ criteria and how to apply.

Children in care

All state-funded schools must give top priority to admitting children who:

are in care or being looked after

have been in care

Complain about unfair admission arrangements

Contact the Schools Adjudicator if you think a school has unlawful or unfair admission arrangements.

You need to complain by 15 May of the year before you’re applying for a place. For example, to complain about admission arrangements for September 2021 the deadline is 15 May 2020.

School starting age

Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. This means they’ll turn 5 during their first school year.

For example, if your child’s fourth birthday is between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 they will usually start school in September 2022.

If you want your child to start later

If you do not think your child is ready to start school at the usual time, they (your child) can start later - as long as they (your child)’re in full-time education by the time they (your child) reach ‘compulsory school age’.

They (your child) can start:

part time

part-way through the year

in the next school year, in the September after they (your child) turn 5

You’ll still need to apply for a school place at the same time as everyone else. You request your child’s later start when you apply.

If your child starts in the September after they turn 5

Your child will go into year 1. Contact the local council or school if you want your child to start in reception instead. They do not have to agree.

Compulsory school age

Your child must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday - whichever comes first. If your child’s fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date.

For example, if your child reaches compulsory school age on 31 March, they must start full-time education at the beginning of the next term (summer term that year).

Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are entitled to free early education before they (Children) start school full time.

How to apply

Follow your local council’s application process to:

apply for a primary school place

apply for a secondary school place

You must still apply for a place, even if the school is linked to your child’s current nursery, infant or primary school.

Apply directly for:

a 6th form place at a school or college

a place at a private school

Moving to another area

You apply through your local council even if you’re applying for schools in another council area or you’ve just moved to England.

If you’re applying from another country, contact the local council in the area where you’re going to live.

You may need to:

supply proof of your new address, for example a mortgage or rental agreement or deeds for the property

prove that you’ll live in the area (the area where you’re going to live) before the start of the next school term

Completing the application

When you fill in the form (online or on paper) you’ll be asked to list the schools you’re applying for in order of preference.

Listing only one school will not increase your chances of getting a place there.

To get a copy of the application form on paper, contact your local council.

When to apply

Applications open on different days in each local council area. Find out from your local council when applications open for primary or secondary schools.

Applying for a primary school place

You must apply for a primary school place a year before your child can start school.

Applications open in September and close on 15 January. Your child will be 3 or have just turned 4 when you apply.

You’ll need to apply then even if you want your child to start part-way through the year.

Applying for a secondary school place

The deadline for applying is 31 October.

Your child is less likely to be offered a place at their chosen schools if you miss the deadline for applications (The deadline for applying).

When you’ll find out

Councils will send offers of school places for:

primary schools on 16 April

secondary schools on 1 March

If either date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.

You must accept the offer (offers) by the deadline given in the offer letter (The deadline for applying). Otherwise it (offers) may be withdrawn and the place given to someone else.

The local council must provide a place at another school, if your child is not offered a place at any of the schools you’ve applied for. This is usually your nearest school with places still available.

Applying after the start of the school year

Contact your local council to find out about applying for a school place once the school year has started (known as in-year applications). They can tell you which schools still have places and how to apply.

Once your child has been offered a place, they will usually start school at the beginning of the following term.

School waiting lists

If your child does not have a place, contact your local council for schools with places.

You can also put your child’s name down on a waiting list. The ‘admission authority’ for the school (usually the school itself or the council) must keep a waiting list open for at least the first term of each school year.

Contact the school or your local council if you want your child’s name added to a waiting list.

You can add your child’s name to a waiting list even if they have been offered a place at another school.

If your child is on a waiting list and the school offers you a place, the admission authority will send you a formal offer. You can still accept the offer even if your child has already started at another school.

Appealing a school's decision

You’ll be sent a letter with the decision about your child’s school (a school's decision). If your child is refused a place, you can appeal against the decision (a school's decision). The letter will tell you how.

You must appeal against each rejection separately. You can only appeal once against each rejection.

Preparing your appeal

The admission authority for the school (the admission authority) must allow you at least 20 school days to appeal from when they (the admission authority) send the decision letter (a letter with the decision about your child’s school (a school's decision)).

The admission authority will set a deadline for submitting information and evidence to support your appeal. If you submit anything after the deadline, it might not be considered and may result in delays to your hearing.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre may be able to give you advice about appeals.

When the hearing (your hearing) will be

The admission authority must give you at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing (your hearing).

Appeals must be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for making an appeal (the deadline).

What happens at the appeal hearing (your hearing)

There’s a panel of 3 or more people at the appeal hearing (your hearing). The panel must be independent and must follow the school admission appeals code.

The admission authority will explain why they (the admission authority) turned down your application.

You’ll be able to give your own reasons why your child should be admitted.

The appeals panel (a panel of 3 or more people) must decide if the school’s (the school) admission criteria were properly followed and comply with the school admissions code (the school admission appeals code).

If the criteria (the school’s (the school) admission criteria) were not properly followed or do not comply with the school admissions code (the school admission appeals code) your appeal must be upheld.

If your reasons for your child to be admitted outweigh the school’s (the school) reasons for not admitting any more children at all, your appeal will be upheld.

You will usually be sent the decision within 5 school days.

You can read more about school admission appeals.

Appeals for infant classes

You need to go through the same process if you’re appealing a decision about an infant class. In reception, year 1 and year 2, the class size is limited to 30. Your application can be turned down if all the classes already have 30 children.

Your appeal could be successful if:

giving your child a place will not increase the class size above the limit

the admission arrangements have not been properly followed

the admission criteria do not comply with the school admissions code

Complain about the appeals process (the same process)

You can complain about the way the appeal was carried out, but you can not complain about the decision itself (the decision).

Maintained schools

Complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Fill in the online complaint form.

If a maintained school becomes an academy

If you complain about an appeal concerning a maintained school that then converts to academy status, the Local Government Ombudsman will investigate it and pass any actions to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Other schools

Complain to ESFA (the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)) about an appeal made to:

free schools

academies, including university technical colleges and studio schools

Fill in the online complaint form.

Using the online form (the online complaint form) is the quickest way to make a complaint. If you need a paper form instead, contact:

You should get a decision on your complaint within 9 weeks (45 working days). You’ll be told if it’ll take longer.

You’ll get a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.

If ESFA (the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)) decides something went wrong with the appeals panel, it (the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)) may:

ask the school to hold a new appeal hearing with a different panel

recommend the school reviews its (the school) appeals process (the same process)

Complain about another school matter

If you have a complaint about a school that is not related to the appeals process (the same process), contact the Department for Education.


Give up (renounce) British citizenship or nationality

Overview

You can apply to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or status. If accepted, you’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ that you can use to show that you’re no longer British.

You might do this (give), for example, if you want to become a citizen of another country that does not allow dual citizenship.

You can renounce your:

British citizenship

British overseas territories citizenship

British overseas citizenship

British subject status

British national (overseas) status

You can give up more than one at a time.

Giving up your citizenship or status (your British citizenship or status) only affects you and not any other members of your family - although it could affect the status of any children you have in future.

Your right to live in the UK will be affected if you give up citizenship.

When you can give up your citizenship

You can only give up your British citizenship or status if either of the following apply:

you already have another citizenship or nationality

you’re going to get another citizenship or nationality after giving up your British citizenship or status

You must also be:

aged 18 or over (unless you’re under 18 and married)

of sound mind (unless it’s decided that it’s in your best interest)

Apply

Fill in the form online. You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed.

If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory, you have to apply in person or by post instead. Check which you can do with your governor’s office.

If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post. This will take much longer than applying online because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date.

It is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus (coronavirus (COVID-19)). This will not affect the decision.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

After you've applied

You’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ if your application is successful. This will be your application form, officially signed and stamped.

The date your citizenship or status stops will be shown on the form.

Your supporting documents will be returned to you whether you’re successful or not.

It is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision.

Time limits if you’re getting another citizenship

You’ll have 6 months from when you received your declaration to get another citizenship - otherwise the declaration will no longer be valid and you’ll keep your British citizenship or status (your citizenship or status).

Resume your British nationality

In some cases it’s possible to resume your British nationality after renouncing it.

Read the guidance to check if you can apply.

It is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This (taking) will not affect the decision. You’ll get extra time to provide your fingerprints, photo and additional information, and to book a citizenship ceremony.

How to apply

If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post. This will take much longer than applying online because of coronavirus. Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date.

Get help to apply online

do not have internet access

Fee

Pay the current fee for registration.

Your fee (the current fee for registration) will not be refunded if your application is refused.

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

If you’re applying from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory

You’ll be told the fee for providing your biometric information when you apply.

Supporting documents

You’ll need to provide:

your copy of your declaration of renunciation (either form RN1 or R6)

your passport, or certificate of naturalisation or registration for your current citizenship or nationality

an official letter or statement from the country you’re currently a citizen or national of saying that if you had not given up your British citizenship you’d have lost or failed to get your current citizenship or nationality

If you gave up United Kingdom and Colonies citizenship you’ll also need to provide:

the birth, naturalisation or registration certificate of the person you have the connection to the UK with, and evidence of your relationship to that person, for example a birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate

evidence that you gave up citizenship because you believed you’d be deprived of your citizenship of a Commonwealth country unless you did so - this should be a separate letter explaining this plus any supporting documents

You may have to provide different documents if you originally gave up citizenship for a reason other than you’d have lost or failed to get citizenship of another country - read the guidance for details.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

You’ll be told how to provide your biometric information and supporting documents when you apply.


Claiming Gift Aid as a charity or CASC

Overview

You can claim back 25p every time an individual donates £1 to your charity or community amateur sports club (CASC). This is called Gift Aid.

You must be recognised as a charity or CASC for tax purposes.

There are rules on which donations you can claim Gift Aid on.

You can claim Gift Aid online - you should get your payment within 5 weeks.

What the donor needs to do

The donor must:

have paid at least as much in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year as you want to claim in Gift Aid

make a Gift Aid declaration that gives you permission to claim it (Gift Aid)

If the donor has not made a declaration you may still be able to claim on cash donations  of £30 or less, for example from a collection.

What you can claim it (Gift Aid) on

You can claim Gift Aid on donations from individuals. The donor must:

have paid the same amount or more in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year

You must be recognised as a charity or community amateur sports club (CASC) to claim Gift Aid.

Special rules for claiming Gift Aid

There are special rules for:

funds from sponsored challenges for example overseas treks or marathons

charity membership fees

church collections

selling goods on behalf of individuals, for example through a charity shop

charity events or to view charity property

charity auctions

volunteer expenses donated back to your charity or CASC (a charity or CASC)

funds raised through charities involved in running schools

What you cannot claim it (Gift Aid) on

You cannot claim on donations:

from limited companies

made through Payroll Giving

that are a payment for goods or services or made because your charity or CASC (a charity or community amateur sports club (CASC)) bought goods and services

where the donor gets a ‘benefit’ over a certain limit

of shares

from charity cards or of vouchers, for example Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) vouchers

of membership fees to CASCs

you got before you were a recognised charity or CASC

Gift Aid declarations

To claim Gift Aid you need to get a Gift Aid declaration from the donor. It should state that the donor:

has paid the same amount or more in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year

agrees to Gift Aid being claimed

You must keep a record of declarations for 6 years after the most recent donation you claimed Gift Aid on.

Gift Aid declaration forms

The declaration (a Gift Aid declaration) must include a description of the gift and the:

name of your charity or community amateur sports club (CASC) (the donor)

donor’s full name

donor’s (the donor) home address (at least their house number or name and postcode)

Example declarations

Download example Gift Aid declaration forms for:

one-off donations

all donations

sponsored events

Cash donations

You can put a Gift Aid declaration on your charity’s collection envelopes.

You may still be able to claim on cash donations of £30 or less if you do not have a declaration.

Small donations scheme

You may be able to claim 25% on:

cash donations of £30 or less

contactless card donations of £30 or less collected on or after 6 April 2019

This (Small donations scheme) is called the Gift Aid small donations scheme (GASDS). You do not need a Gift Aid declaration to claim.

From 6 April 2016, you can claim up to £2,000 in a tax year or £1,250 for earlier years.

Who can claim

Your charity or CASC must have claimed Gift Aid:

in the same tax year as you want to claim GASDS (Small donations scheme)

without getting a penalty in the last 2 tax years

in at least 2 of the last 4 tax years (without a 2-year gap between claims) if you’re claiming on donations made before 6 April 2017

What you can claim

Your GASDS (Small donations scheme) claim cannot be more than 10 times your Gift Aid claim. For example, you can claim on £1,000 worth of donations through GASDS (Small donations scheme) if you’ve received £100 of Gift Aid donations in the same tax year (a tax year).

You can claim on donations that are eligible for Gift Aid, but not membership fees.

Collections in community buildings

If your charity has a community building (for example a village hall or religious building) you might be able to claim more on donations collected either:

in your community building

in the same council area as your community building (your charity), if you collected the donations on or after 6 April 2017

For somewhere to count as your community building, you need to have hosted at least 6 charity events there. The events must have all been attended by at least 10 people.

If your organisation is connected to another charity or CASC

If one of the charities (another charity or CASC) has a community building, all of the connected charities (another charity or CASC) can either:

claim as if they (another charity or CASC) had a community building

share a single £8,000 limit - all the charities (another charity or CASC) will need to write to HMRC to do this

If none of the charities have a community building, or you’re claiming for donations made before 6 April 2017, the connected charities (another charity or CASC) must share a single £8,000 limit.

If your charity has merged with another charity or CASC you may be able to take on the other charity’s record of good claims.

Keeping records

You need to record the:

total cash donations collected

date of the collection

date it was paid into a bank account

You’ll need to keep records of any contactless card donations that you’ve taken, for example receipts from your card machine.

For collections in community buildings you’ll also need to record:

the address of the place you collected the donations (including postcode)

the type of event

the number of events you held

an estimate of how many people were at the event

when you collected the donations

How to claim

Claim under GASDS in the same way as Gift Aid.

How to claim

You can claim Gift Aid using Charities Online with:

eligible software, like a database

a spreadsheet of your donations

For claims of over 1,000 donations you must use software.

To apply by post use form ChR1, which you can get from the charities helpline.

When you must claim

Your deadline to claim Gift Aid depends on how your charity is set up.

You need to claim for a donation within 4 years of the end of the financial period you received it in. This is:

the tax year (6 April to 5 April) if you’re a trust

your accounting period if your charity is a community amateur sports club (CASC), a Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO) or a limited company

You must claim on cash donations under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme within 2 years of the end of the tax year that the donations were collected in (the financial period you received it in).

Keeping records

You need to keep records of these donations (cash donations under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme) for a further two years.

When you’ll get paid

You’ll get a Gift Aid payment by BACS within:

4 weeks if you claimed online

5 weeks if you claimed by post using form ChR1

Contact the charities helpline if your repayment is wrong or if you submitted an incorrect claim.


Set up a charity

Set up a charity

There are 6 steps to setting up a charity.

Find trustees for your charity - you usually need at least 3.

Make sure the charity (your charity) has ‘charitable purposes for the public benefit’.

Choose a name for your charity.

Choose a structure for your charity.

Create a ‘governing document’.

Register as a charity if your annual income is over £5,000 or if you set up a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Tax relief

To get tax relief your charity needs to be recognised by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Charitable purposes

Your charity must have ‘charitable purposes’ that help the public (known as being ‘for public benefit’).

Charitable purposes include things that contribute to:

relieving poverty

education

religion

health

saving lives

citizenship or community development

the arts

amateur sport

human rights

religious or racial harmony

the protection of the environment

animal welfare

the efficiency of the armed forces, police, fire or ambulance services

Read guidance on writing your charitable purposes.

You should also read about public benefit to decide if your charity’s aims are suitable.

You can’t set up a charity to help one specific person.

Name your charity

Your charity name must not:

be similar to the name of an existing charity (unless you can prove you need to use it (Your charity name))

use words you don’t have permission to use, for example a trade mark

use offensive words or acronyms

be misleading, for example suggest your charity does something it doesn’t

Search the charities register to check the names of registered charities. Unregistered charities won’t appear in the register.

Additional names

You can use:

abbreviations, for example National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is known as NSPCC

alternative names, for example Comic Relief is a working name for Charity Projects

You must list any alternative or working names your charity uses when you apply to register.

Non-English names

You must include a translation of any non-English words in your charity’s (your charity) name when you register.

Using ‘charity’ in a name

You can use the words ‘charity’, ‘charities’ or ‘charitable’ in your charity’s (your charity) name but you need approval from the Charity Commission if you use them when you register a company name with Companies House.

Structures

You must choose a structure for your charity, which will affect things like:

who runs the charity (your charity)

how the charity (your charity) is run

what the charity (your charity) can do, for example employ people or own property

There are 4 common charity structures.

Charitable company

Your charitable companies will have to be limited by guarantees rather than shares when you register. Select ‘private company limited by guarantee’ on the form.

Trustees have limited or no liability for a charitable company’s debts or liabilities.

Apply online

You can apply online to register a charitable company with Companies House.

Apply by post

Fill in the form to register a charitable company with Companies House by post.

It (post) costs £40.

You may also need:

continuation sheets if you need extra space to write

a Welsh version of the form

Charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

A CIO is an incorporated structure designed for charities. You create a CIO by registering with the Charity Commission. You don’t need to register with Companies House.

Trustees have limited or no liability for CIO (A CIO) debts or liabilities.

Charitable trust

A ‘charitable trust’ is a way for a group of people (‘trustees’) to manage assets such as money, investments, land or buildings.

Unincorporated charitable association

An ‘unincorporated charitable association’ is a simple way for a group of volunteers to run a charity for a common purpose.

Unincorporated charitable associations can’t employ staff or own premises.

Governing document

You must create a ‘governing document’ (or ‘rulebook’) for your charity that explains how your charity is run.

Your governing document (Governing document) lets trustees and other interested parties find out:

your charity’s (your charity) purpose

who runs it (your charity) and how they (trustees and other interested parties) run it (your charity)

how trustees will be appointed

rules about trustees’ expenses

rules about payments to trustees

how to close the charity (your charity)

What type of governing document you need depends on your charity structure.

Read guidance on writing your governing document (Governing document), including example templates.

You can create your governing document (Governing document) using your own templates but it may mean registration takes longer.

The trustees must meet to sign the governing document (Governing document). You’ll need an independent witness if you’re setting up a charitable trust.

Register your charity

You must apply to register your charity if:

its (your charity) income is at least £5,000 per year or it (your charity)’s a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

it (your charity)’s based in England or Wales (the rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Supporting documents

When you apply you’ll be asked:

about your charity’s charitable purposes

how you run your charity (your charity’s) for public benefit

for proof that your charity’s annual income is above £5,000, unless you’re a CIO

You’ll also need to give your charity’s:

name

bank or building society details

most recent accounts

contact details, including a postal address

trustees’ names, dates of birth and contact details

a copy of your charity’s governing document (in PDF format)

Proof of income

Proof of income, if needed, can be any one of:

your charity’s latest ‘published’ annual accounts (in PDF format) - they must have been approved as proof of income by an independent examiner or auditor

a recent bank statement (as a scanned image)

a formal offer of funding from a recognised funding body (as a scanned image)


Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses

Find volunteer opportunities

You can find volunteering opportunities on the:

Do-it website

Volunteering Matters website for young, older and disabled volunteers

National Association for Voluntary and Community Action website

local Volunteer Centre website

Reach Volunteering website for volunteers with specific skills - like accountancy, marketing, law, management, mentoring or IT

Volunteering Wales website

Volunteer Scotland website

Find out about volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Volunteers' rights

You do not have a contract of employment as a volunteer, so you do not have the same rights as an employee or worker.

You will usually be given a volunteer agreement that explains:

the level of supervision and support you’ll get

what training you’ll get

whether you’re covered under the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance

health and safety issues

any expenses the organisation (the organisation’s) will cover

The volunteer agreement is not compulsory, but sets out what you can expect from the organisation you’re volunteering for. It does not form a contract between you and the organisation (the organisation’s).

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has information on volunteers’ legal status.

When you can volunteer

Age limits

There’s no upper age limit on volunteering, but anyone over 70 will need to follow public health advice on volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Some organisations’ insurance policies do not cover you if you’re under 16 or over a certain age.

You cannot work for a profit-making organisation if you’re under 14, even if you’re not paid.

Your local council might have extra rules about the work you can do as a young person.

Volunteering and benefits

You can volunteer and claim benefits if:

the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs

you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get

Criminal records

If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in most roles, depending on your offences. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service check if you want to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

Pay and expenses

You are not paid for your time as a volunteer, but you may get money to cover expenses. This is usually limited to food, drink, travel or any equipment you need to buy.

You may need to pay tax on your driving expenses if you get back more than you spent.

You might be classed as an employee or worker rather than a volunteer if you get any other payment, reward or benefit in kind. This includes any promise of a contract or paid work in the future.

You get certain employment rights if you’re classed as an employee or worker, like getting the minimum wage.


Challenge an election result

When you can make a challenge

You may be able to challenge the result of an election if you think it was not run properly, for example the votes were not counted correctly or a candidate broke the law.

You can challenge a UK Parliament election if either of the following apply:

you had the right to vote in it (a UK Parliament election)

you were a candidate

You can challenge a local government election if either:

you’re part of a group of at least 4 people who had the right to vote in the election (a local government election)

you were a candidate

The deadline

You must usually apply within 21 days of when:

the result of the UK Parliament election (the result of an election) (a UK Parliament election) was returned to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery

the local government election (a local government election) was held

A judge might let you apply after 21 days if:

you think there have been corrupt or illegal practices, for example bribery

your complaint is about election expenses, for example you think the winner spent more than they were allowed

How to make a challenge

To challenge an election you must apply to the Election Petitions Office. This is called issuing an election petition.

You’ll need to send:

an election petition

The Election Petitions Office will stamp the petition (an election petition) before you send (‘serve’) it (an election petition) to the people you’re complaining about (‘the respondents’). You can then apply to set a date for a hearing.

What to include in the petition (an election petition)

Your petition (an election petition) must say:

why you’re allowed to challenge the election result

the date and result of the election (an election)

the reason you’re challenging the result (the result of an election), for example you think the votes were counted incorrectly

what you would like to happen, for example a recount

For a UK Parliament election, you must also give the date the result (the result of an election) was given to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery. The person who oversaw the election (an election) (the ‘returning officer’) can tell you this.

You can use a template to help you write the petition (an election petition).

You must sign the petition (an election petition). You cannot ask a solicitor to sign it (an election petition) for you. If you’re part of a group, you must all sign.

Application for ‘security for costs’ (an application to pay ‘security for costs’)

You’ll need to make an application to pay ‘security for costs’. This covers the cost of going to court.

Fill in form N244 (the ‘application notice’) and send it with your petition (an election petition).

Send your challenge

Send your petition (an election petition) and your application to pay ‘security for costs’ (an application to pay ‘security for costs’) to the Election Petitions Office, along with your fees. The fees are:

£528 to issue a petition

£100 to apply for ‘security for costs’

Make your cheque or postal order payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’.

The Election Petitions Office must receive your petition (an election petition) by the last day you’re allowed to apply.

You can also hand in your petition (an election petition) in person. The Election Petitions Office is open on weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

On the last day you’re allowed to apply, you can apply any time before midnight. Put your petition in the letterbox outside room E110 if the office (the Election Petitions Office) is closed.

Call the Royal Courts of Justice if you need to get access to the letterbox (the letterbox outside room E110).

You must make a statement (‘swear an affidavit’) the next working day in front of a solicitor or a notary public. Your statement must confirm the day and time when you put the petition (your petition) in the letterbox (the letterbox outside room E110).

Pay 'security for costs' (‘security for costs)

After you apply, the Election Petitions Office will tell you how much to pay for ‘security for costs’ (‘security for costs). The maximum is:

£5,000 for a UK Parliament election

£2,500 for a local government election

£1,500 for a parish council election

You can sometimes get help with court fees if you have little or no savings, are on certain benefits or have a low income.

You can pay cash or give the names of up to 4 people (‘sureties’) who will guarantee to pay. You must do this within 3 working days of handing in the petition (your petition).

You’ll usually get the ‘security for costs’ (‘security for costs) back if you win the case.

You might have to pay more if you lose the case or you decide to stop it (the case).

Serve your election petition

You should only contact the people you’re complaining about (‘the respondents’) once the Elections Petitions Office (the Election Petitions Office) has stamped your petition (your election petition). You must give (‘serve’) them the petition (your election petition) within 5 working days of paying the ‘security for costs’ (‘security for costs).

The person who won the election must be one of the respondents, even if you do not think they’ve done anything wrong.

What you must send

Send each respondent copies of:

a letter (‘notice of presentation’) from your solicitor if you have one

the petition you sent to the Election Petitions Office (your petition)

the letter from the Election Petitions Office showing the amount of ‘security for costs’ (‘security for costs) and how you’re paying (cash or guarantees)

promises (‘affidavits’) from the people who guarantee to pay (‘sureties’) if relevant

You must also send copies to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

You can send your documents:

in person

by first class post

through a solicitor

The court will consider documents to be served 2 days after they were posted if that’s a working day, or the next working day if it is not.

What happens at the hearing and trial

Contact the Election Petitions Office to set the date for the hearing. You should do this within 28 days of your petition being stamped.

If you do not apply to set a date for the hearing, the respondents will have 28 days to apply themselves. They can also make other requests, for example to cancel (‘set aside’) your petition.

A judge will set a date for the hearing if you and the respondents do not apply to set one.

At the hearing and trial

At the hearing a judge can appoint a commissioner to manage your complaint. The commissioner will look at the evidence, for example by checking the voting slips.

If the commissioner (a commissioner to manage your complaint) thinks there should be a trial, it will normally be at a court in the constituency where you’re challenging the result.

At the trial (a trial) you and the respondents will each present your (you and the respondents) cases to the commissioner (a commissioner to manage your complaint). Both sides (you and the respondents) can call witnesses to give evidence.

It usually takes several weeks to get a judgment. You’ll be called to a meeting with the commissioner (a commissioner to manage your complaint) to hear the decision.

You cannot appeal the decision (a judgment).


Appeal a call up to the reserve forces

Overview

You can appeal to the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT) if:

you’re in the UK reserve forces and your request for exemption from service has been turned down

you employ a reservist and your request for their exemption from service has been turned down

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) must receive your appeal within 5 days of you getting the decision letter or your application will be rejected.

If you’re going to miss the deadline and have a valid reason, say why when you appeal. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

Contact RFAT (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) or your legal representative if you have any questions about appealing. RFAT (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) cannot give you legal advice.

You can find legal advice, including from a lawyer.

Appeal to the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT))

Write a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’ to the Secretary of Tribunals.

Your letter (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’) must include:

your name, address and telephone number

a statement that it (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’)’s a ‘notice of appeal’

the grounds for appealing the decision

what you want the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) to decide (known as the ‘determination’)

whether you want to attend the hearing

whether you’ll be legally represented

the names and addresses of any witnesses you’d like to give evidence at the hearing

You’ll need to include:

a copy of the decision you’re appealing (the decision)

all documents that were part of your application for exemption

any relevant documents that were not part of your original application (your application for exemption) - and the reasons why they were not included

Send your letter (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’)

You can email, fax, post or deliver your notice of appeal (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’) in person to:

After you send your application (your application for exemption)

You’ll be told straight away when your appeal (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’) has been received.

You’ll also be given:

a case name

a case number

an address for sending any further letters and documents to the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT))

a hearing date - it (the hearing)’ll usually be within 28 days of the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) getting your appeal (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’)

You’ll normally find out within a week of sending your appeal (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’):

whether the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) will consider your case

whether the Reserve Forces opposes the appeal (a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’) and why

if the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) needs more information

You’ll get another letter a few days before the hearing telling you what documents to bring with you, or send by post in advance.

Witnesses

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) may suggest witnesses. You must contact them and make sure they appear at the hearing.

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) can force witnesses to appear at the hearing if you’re unable to do it yourself - the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) will tell you how.

What happens at the hearing

You (or your legal representative) will present your case to the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)). An ‘adjudication officer’ will represent the Reserve Forces.

Both sides can give evidence, call witnesses, question witnesses and make statements to the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)).

If neither side wants to attend a hearing, a decision will be made without a hearing. This is called a ‘paper hearing’.

You and any witnesses who attend a hearing may be able to claim for expenses you have, for example accommodation or travel.

Hearings are usually held in public.

The tribunal’s (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) decision

You may get a decision at the end of the hearing. You’ll also get a written copy sent to you.

If a decision’s not made at the hearing, you’ll get a letter telling you the decision within 1 month. This is known as a ‘reserved’ decision.

If you're unhappy with the decision (a decision)

You cannot appeal if you lose the case.

In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to ask for the tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) to review its (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) decision (a decision), for example if:

new evidence becomes available

the Secretary of Tribunals made a mistake in the proceedings

someone had the right to attend the hearing but could not, and had a valid reason for doing so

something else has gone wrong that’s made the process or decision unfair (known as a review ‘in the interests of justice’)

You can get legal advice, including from a lawyer if you need help.

Write to the Secretary of Tribunals within 5 days of getting the decision.

What happens next

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) can:

‘set aside’ the decision - this means you’ll have another hearing

change the decision

Legislation

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) must follow the rules and process in:

the Reserve Forces (the Reserve Forces) Appeal Tribunals Rules 1997

Part IX of the Reserve Forces Act 1996

The tribunal (the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT)) will make a decision based on the Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) (Exemptions Etc.) Regulations 1997.


Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)

Overview

You can appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) if you think a legal mistake was made in an employment tribunal case.

For example, you could appeal if it (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)):

got the law wrong

did not apply the correct law (the law)

did not follow the correct procedures and this affected the decision

had no evidence to support its (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) decision (the decision)

was unfairly biased towards the other party

Get legal advice if you’re unsure about this.

EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Before you appeal

Ask the employment tribunal (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) to send you the reasons for the decision, if you do not already have them. You can continue your appeal (appeal) while you wait for them.

Help with your appeal

Read the rules that EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) follows when making decisions.

You can also get free legal advice from Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.

Contact EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT))

Contact the enquiry line for more information.

EAT public enquiry line (the enquiry line)
Telephone: 020 7273 1041 (England and Wales)
Telephone: 0131 225 3963 (Scotland)
Find out about call charges

How to appeal

Read the full practice direction and appeal guidance.

Fill in the notice of appeal form.

Send the form, with the supporting documents listed on it (the notice of appeal form), to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) office.

You do not have to pay a fee to make an appeal.

Deadline for appealing

You must appeal within 42 days of the date that either:

the decision was sent to you

the reasons (the reasons for the decision) were sent to you (but only if the Employment Tribunal (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) did not provide reasons at the hearing or you asked for the reasons (the reasons for the decision) within 14 days of the decision being sent to you)

Your appeal must arrive by 4pm on the final day.

You can ask for an appeal to be considered even if it’s late, but extensions are rarely given, and you must have a good reason.

Where to send your appeal

You can send it (your appeal) by email. You must send any documents as attachments, and the email must be 10MB or less.

You can also send your appeal by fax or post.

For cases in England and Wales

For cases in Scotland

After you appeal

EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) will decide if your case can go ahead. If it can, you may be asked to attend a hearing to present your case.

If your appeal cannot go ahead, you’ll be sent a letter explaining why and whether you can appeal further.

The tribunal hearing (the hearing)

You may have to attend a hearing where you (or your representative) will present your case.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) will decide if your appeal has been successful.

You’ll be told the outcome of the case (your case) either at the end of the hearing or afterwards by letter.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll usually be asked when you’re available to attend a hearing. In certain cases you may be told when a hearing will take place, but you’ll be told at least 14 days beforehand. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances.

You’ll be told what documents you need to send to EAT and to other parties.

You may be able to get free advice immediately before the hearing if you do not have a representative - ask EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) for details.

You cannot claim any expenses for going to a hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You’ll present your case - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer, friend or family member. The other party will present the case against you. You may be asked questions about your case.

If you lose your case

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal problem with the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision.

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask permission to appeal

You must ask for permission before you appeal. You can either ask EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) or the higher court directly.

Asking EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT))

You must ask within 7 days of receiving the decision (or within 42 days if the employment tribunal whose decision you are appealing (the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision) was held in Scotland).

You can ask for permission on the day of your hearing (if you receive your decision (the decision) on the day).

You must provide your grounds for appeal and the legal problem with the decision (the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision).

If you’re refused permission, you can ask the higher court directly.

Asking the higher court

You can ask the Court of Appeal (the higher court) for permission. You must do this within 21 days of the date you were told you lost your case or were refused permission by EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)).

If the employment tribunal that made the initial decision (the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision) was based in Scotland, ask the Court of Session for permission.

Appeal to the higher court

You can appeal to the Court of Appeal (the higher court) once you’ve been given permission.

If the employment tribunal that made the initial decision (the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision) was based in Scotland, you should appeal to the Court of Session.

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) must follow and its (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) decisions on previous cases.

Legislation

EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) must follow the rules and process in the:

Employment Appeal Tribunal Rules 1993 (as amended)

Employment Tribunals Act 1996

EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) has also issued a practice direction that provides more detailed guidance.

Previous decisions

You can search for decisions made in other EAT (the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)) cases.


Apply to the land registration tribunal

Overview

You need to apply to the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal) if you want to correct or cancel certain documents relating to registered land.

You may also be referred to the tribunal by HM Land Registry if you’re in a dispute over a change to the land register (known as a ‘reference case’).

If you want to change the title register or title plan, contact HM Land Registry directly.

The tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

You may want to get help and advice before you appeal, for example from a lawyer.

Apply to the tribunal

Apply to the tribunal if you want to correct or cancel (sometimes known as ‘set aside’) certain documents relating to registered land. You can also object to someone else’s application. These are known as ‘rectification cases’.

Apply to make a change to a document

Download and fill in the application form and send it to the address on the form.

You must also include a statement saying that you believe that the facts stated in the application (the application form) are true.

The tribunal will then send, or tell you to send, a copy of the application (the application form) to all other interested parties.

You’ll be told whether there’ll be a hearing to decide your case.

Object to a change of a document

Download and fill in the objection form and send it to the address given in the form.

You must send the form (the objection form) within 28 days of getting your copy of an application to change the register (the land register).

Your response must include your reasons for objecting to the application (an application to change the register (the land register)), giving all relevant facts and evidence

You’ll need to include a list of and copies of all documents that:

are important to your case

the tribunal and all interested parties will need to understand the case (your case)

You’ll be told by the tribunal if there’ll be a hearing to decide your case.

Get help

You can get help with the appeal process and forms by contacting the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber. The helpline cannot give you legal advice.

Being referred to the tribunal

Your case may be referred to the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber if somebody disputes your application to HM Land Registry. This is known as a ‘reference case’.

Both parties will be sent a letter by the tribunal after your case has been referred by HM Land Registry.

The letter (a letter) will explain whether you’re the ‘applicant’ or the ‘respondent’. Generally, you’ll be named as the applicant if the tribunal thinks you’re the party that needs to prove its (your case) case.

Making a ‘statement of case’

Applicants

You have 28 days after getting the letter to send your (Applicants) ‘statement of case’ (a ‘statement of case’) to the tribunal and the respondent. The letter will tell you (Applicants) where to send your (Applicants) statement (a ‘statement of case’).

Your (Applicants) statement (a ‘statement of case’) must include:

your (Applicants) name and address (and an address where documents can be sent to you (Applicants))

the name and address of your (Applicants) legal representative (if you (Applicants) have one)

your (Applicants) reasons for supporting or objecting to the original application to HM Land Registry (your application to HM Land Registry), giving all relevant facts and evidence

You (Applicants) need to include copies of documents that:

are important to your (Applicants) case

are needed to understand the case (your (Applicants) case)

You (Applicants) also need to include a list of the documents.

After the other parties have responded to the tribunal, you’ll be told if there’s going to be a hearing.

Respondents

You (Respondents) have 28 days after getting the applicants ‘statement of case’ (a ‘statement of case’) to send your (Respondents) own  case to the tribunal and the applicant (the tribunal and the respondent).

Your (Respondents) statement (a ‘statement of case) must include your (Respondents) reasons for supporting or objecting to the original application to HM Land Registry (your application to HM Land Registry), giving all relevant facts and evidence.

You (Respondents) need to include copies of all documents that:

are important to your (Respondents) case

You (Respondents) also need to include a list of these documents (the documents).

The tribunal will then contact you (Respondents) to tell you (Respondents) if there’s going to be a hearing.

Starting court proceedings

You or the other party can be ordered by the tribunal to start court proceedings at any time. This will happen if the tribunal cannot handle your case.

You can also contact the tribunal and ask them (the tribunal) to make the other party start court proceedings, or voluntarily start proceedings yourself (Respondents).

Get help

What happens at the hearing

You may have to attend a hearing where you (or your legal representative) and the other parties will present your cases to a judge.

The judge (a judge) will decide:

which party wins the case

if any costs are payable by one party to another

You’ll usually be told the outcome of the case within 42 days of the hearing.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll be told the time and date of the hearing and where its (the hearing) being held. You’ll usually be told at least 14 days beforehand if there’s going to be a hearing. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances or if all parties agree to a shorter notice period.

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare and exchange evidence after all the parties (all parties) have given their (all parties) statements of case.

Decisions without hearings

The tribunal may make a decision without a hearing if all the people involved agree or if no one objects once given notice.

The people involved (all the people involved) can also ask the tribunal to make a decision without a hearing.

Getting a time extension

You can ask for a time extension at any point in the proceedings.

You should ask all other parties involved to agree to an extension before applying to the tribunal.

If you lose your case

You can appeal to the Upper tribunal (Land Chamber) if you’re not happy with the verdict. You must ask the First-tier Tribunal (the tribunal) for permission first.

You can also ask the First-tier Tribunal (the tribunal) to set aside their (the tribunal) decision if you think there was a problem with the tribunal’s (the tribunal) procedure, for example you did not receive a notice of a hearing.

Read guidance on how to challenge a decision for details.

You can complain about the tribunal staff or the service you received. You cannot complain about the decision.

Legislation and previous decisions

You can read the rules the tribunal must follow and its (the tribunal) decisions on previous cases if you’re representing yourself or someone else.

The tribunal will make a decision based on the Land Registration Act 2002.

The tribunal must follow the rules and process in:

Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal (the tribunal)) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013

Practice Directions issued by the Senior President of Tribunals (30 July 2013) (PDF, 49KB)

Practice Statement issued by the Senior President of Tribunals (8 August 2017) (PDF, 0.1MB)

You can also search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.


Community sentences

Overview

You may get a community sentence if you’re convicted of a crime by a court but are not sent to prison.

You may have to do unpaid work in your local community, like removing graffiti. This is called Community Payback.

Community sentences can be given for crimes such as:

damaging property

benefit fraud

assault

You may get a community sentence if:

the court thinks you’re more likely to stop committing crime than if you go to prison

it’s the first time you have committed a crime

you have a mental health condition that affects your behaviour

The rules are different in Scotland.

Community Payback

Community Payback is unpaid work like:

removing graffiti

clearing wasteland

decorating public places and buildings - for example, a community centre

You will usually work in your local area, and be managed by a Community Payback supervisor. You must wear a high visibility orange vest while you work.

You can expect to complete anything from 40 to 300 hours of Community Payback, depending on how serious your crime was.

You have to work 3 or 4 days each week if you’re unemployed.

The Community Payback work will be arranged outside your working hours if you have a job, for example evenings or weekends.

Treatment and programmes

The treatment or programmes you get (Treatment and programmes) are intended to help with problems that led you to commit crime in the first place. They (Treatment and programmes)’re also to stop you committing more crime.

Programmes and treatment could be to help with:

any addictions you have, for example drugs

a mental health condition

getting new skills and qualifications

Depending on the treatment or programme, it (Treatment and programmes) could involve:

counselling sessions - where you get support from a medical professional

drug testing

‘accredited programmes’, such as anger management courses, to help with your behaviour

mental health treatment with a doctor or psychologist

improving your reading and writing

getting help with a job application

learning interview skills

meeting people who were affected by your offence, as part of a restorative justice programme

If you don’t complete a treatment or programme, or fail a drugs test, you could be sent back to court and your punishment could increase.

What you can and can’t do while on a community sentence is decided by:

a court when you are sentenced

the person dealing with your sentence once it’s started - called the ‘offender manager’

This can include:

being at a particular place at certain times - known as a ‘curfew’

wearing an electronic tag to check that you stay there

appointments with an offender manager

being stopped from going to certain places or areas, for example your victim’s home

being stopped from taking part in certain activities, for example going to a pub or a bar

being told where you have to live, for example a family member’s home

If you don’t stick to the rules while you’re on a community sentence, you could get a warning or be sent back to court, and your punishment could increase.

Community sentences if you are under 18

Community sentences for young people are different from those given to adults.

There are 3 main community sentences a court can give you:

referral orders – when, with a panel of people from your local community and your youth justice workers, you are asked to agree a programme of work to address your behaviour

reparation orders – when you make up for the harm caused by your crime, like repairing any damage to the victim’s property

Youth Rehabilitation Order – when a court decides on different things that you have to do or must not do, which can last for up to 3 years

You can also be given a discharge, when the court decides that the experience of being arrested and going to court is enough of a punishment.

As part of your community sentence you may also have to speak to the victim and:

listen to their (the victim) side of the story

apologise to them (the victim), either in writing or, if the victim wants, face-to-face

If you break the rules of your community sentence (a community sentence) you could end up back in court, and if you have recently been released from custody you could be sent back.


Immigration detention bail

Before you apply

You can apply for immigration bail if the Home Office is holding you on immigration matters. This means you might be released from detention but you’ll have to obey at least one condition.

Who can apply

You can apply whether you’re held in an immigration removal centre, a detention centre or a prison. You must be held on immigration matters.

When you’re more likely to get bail

You’re more likely to get bail if you have a place to stay.

Your application is also more likely to succeed if you have at least one ‘Financial Condition Supporter’. This is a person who:

will pay money if you don’t follow the conditions of your bail

can attend your bail hearing

Give information about where you’ll stay and your Financial Condition Supporters in the application form.

When you might not get released on bail

You may find it harder to get bail if you:

have broken bail conditions in the past

have a criminal record, and there’s a risk you might reoffend

If you were refused bail in the last 28 days, you won’t get another hearing unless your situation has changed significantly. Explain what you think has changed in your application.

If you are refused bail, you’ll get a written statement telling you why.

If you’re due to be removed from the country

You might not be released even if you’re granted bail. If your removal date is in the 14 days after you get bail, the Home Office will have to agree to your release.

Apply for bail

You can apply for bail in 2 main ways. It depends on your situation. Apply to:

the Home Secretary (‘Secretary of State bail’) any time after you arrive in the UK (the country)

the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) - only if you arrived more than 8 days ago

You might be automatically referred for a bail hearing if you’ve been in detention for 4 months or more.

If you are appealing to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission you can apply to them for bail.

A solicitor or legal adviser can help you with a bail application.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

Apply for Secretary of State bail

You can apply to the Home Secretary for bail from the first day you arrive in the UK (the country). This is called ’Secretary of State Bail’.

Download and fill in form BAIL401 explaining why you’re asking for bail.

You can also get the form (form BAIL401 explaining why you’re asking for bail) from:

the welfare officer, if you’re in an Immigration Removal Centre

your detention paperwork pack, if you’re in a prison

Your application will be decided by Home Office (the Home Office) staff and there will not be a hearing.

Apply for bail from the First-tier Tribunal

You can apply to the independent ‘First-tier Tribunal’ (the First-tier Tribunal) for bail if you arrived in the UK (the country) more than 8 days ago. Your application for bail will be decided by an independent judge at a hearing.

Download and fill in form B1.

If you can’t download the form (form B1) yourself, you can:

ask the staff at the place where you’re being held

contact the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal) - by phone on 0300 123 1711 or by email on customer.service@justice.gov.uk

If you have a tribunal appeal hearing scheduled, send the form (form B1) to the tribunal or hearing centre where it’s happening. You can find the address of the venue using the A to Z list.

If you don’t have an appeal hearing, ask staff at the place you’re held (the place where you’re being held) – they can fax your application to the right venue.

Automatic referral for bail

The Home Office will automatically refer you to the First-tier Tribunal for a bail hearing if all of the following are true:

you aren’t being detained in the interests of national security

there’s no action being taken to deport you from the UK (the country)

you haven’t applied for bail to the First-tier Tribunal in the last 4 months

They (the Home Office) will make an application on your behalf using all the information they (the Home Office) have.

You can refuse the referral (refer), or choose to make your own bail application. The Home Office will apply on your behalf every 4 months unless you apply for bail yourself.

What happens at the First-tier Tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal) hearing

There will usually be a hearing to decide if you should be granted bail. This will happen a few days after your application is received – you’ll receive a ‘notice of hearing’ to tell you when it is.

You probably won’t be in the room for the hearing (a hearing to decide if you should be granted bail). It (a hearing to decide if you should be granted bail)’s more likely to happen over a video-link instead.

The Home Office will send the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal) a document listing the reasons they (the Home Office) think you should not get bail (a ‘Bail Summary’). They (the Home Office) will also send you a copy.

Read information about the Tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal) rules and procedures.

Conditions of your bail

If you’re granted bail, there will be at least one condition you have to obey.

You might have to:

report regularly to an immigration official

attend an appointment or hearing

be restricted on where you can live

have an electronic monitoring tag

have restrictions on the work or studies you can do

obey any other condition decided by the person granting your bail

You or your financial condition supporter might have to promise to pay money if you break one of the other conditions of your bail. This is called a ‘financial condition’.

These conditions can be changed after you’re granted bail.

If you do not follow the terms of your bail you might:

have your bail conditions (These conditions) changed so that there are tighter restrictions

be charged with a crime

have to pay the money agreed at the hearing - or your Financial Condition Supporter might have to pay

be returned to detention

Change the conditions of your bail (These conditions)

You can ask to change (‘vary’) the conditions of your bail (These conditions), for example, if you need to move to a new address.

If the First-tier Tribunal granted you bail, fill in form B2 and send it to your nearest First-tier Tribunal hearing centre. The Home Office might oppose your request.

If the management of your bail has been transferred to the Home Office contact them (The Home Office) instead.

If you’re on Secretary of State bail, speak to an immigration officer.

You must continue to obey the conditions of your bail (These conditions) until a decision has been made to change them (These conditions).


Make a claim to an employment tribunal

When you can claim

You can make a claim to an employment tribunal if you think someone has treated you unlawfully, such as your employer, a potential employer or a trade union.

Unlawful treatment can include:

unfair dismissal

discrimination

unfair deductions from your pay

This guide and the online service are also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You usually have to make a claim to the tribunal (an employment tribunal) within 3 months of your employment ending or the problem happening.

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘claimant’) and the person you’re making a claim against (the ‘respondent’) before making a decision.

See if there’s another way to solve the problem before you make a claim to a tribunal, such as using a grievance procedure.

Before you make a claim

You must tell the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) that you intend to make a claim to the tribunal (an employment tribunal).

You’ll be offered the chance to try and settle the dispute without going to court by using Acas’s (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)) free ‘Early Conciliation’ service.

If early conciliation does not work, Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)) will send you an early conciliation certificate - use this when you make a claim to the tribunal (an employment tribunal).

Once you receive your certificate (an early conciliation certificate), you’ll have at least one month left to make your claim.

Help you can get

Call the Employment Tribunal customer contact centre if you have any questions about your claim. They cannot give you legal advice.

Call Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)) if you have any questions about early conciliation. They (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)) cannot answer questions about your claim.

Legal help

You may want to get legal help or advice if you’re in England and Wales or Scotland before you make your claim.

Your trade union may be able to pay for a solicitor.

You can also get free legal advice from Citizens Advice or Citizens Advice Scotland.

The Equality Advisory and Support Service can help if your claim is about discrimination. You may also be able to get legal aid.

Make a claim

You can make a claim to the employment tribunal (an employment tribunal) online.

You should read the guidance for whistleblowing if it relates to your claim.

This online service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

Claim online

Make a claim by post

You can also download and fill in a claim form.

Read the guidance for making a claim before you fill in the form. You should also read the guidance for whistleblowing if it relates to your claim.

You do not have to pay a fee to make a claim to the Employment Tribunal (an employment tribunal), even if it says so on the form.

Send your completed form to one of the following addresses, depending on where you were working.

Talk-through service

Use the employment tribunal talk-through service (Talk-through service) only if you’re unable to use a computer without help.

Before calling make sure you have:

your Acas early conciliation certificate number or a valid reason why you do not have one

details of your claim including the background, dates and people involved

This service (Talk-through service) will not give you advice on the details of your claim. Contact the number for general enquiries instead.

After you make a claim

The respondent usually has to reply to your claim (a claim) in writing within 28 days of getting your claim form. They will give their side of the case.

Once they (The respondent)’ve replied, the tribunal (an employment tribunal) will decide whether there will be a full hearing to decide on your case (the case).

If they (The respondent) do not reply, the tribunal (an employment tribunal) may decide on your case (the case) without you having to go to a hearing.

Hearings and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Because of coronavirus, your hearing may take place by phone, by video or in person.

If you’re a legal professional, read guidance on how cases are affected by COVID-19.

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

whether part or all of your claim can go ahead

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing (a hearing) should take

Arrange documents

You can ask the respondent for documents that will help you with your case (the case), and they (The respondent) can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of your pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings you attended at work

Usually the tribunal (an employment tribunal) will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing (a hearing).

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing (a hearing) if they can give evidence directly relevant to your case (the case).

If you ask a witness to attend and they do not want to, you can ask the tribunal (an employment tribunal) to order them to come. You must apply in writing to the tribunal office dealing with your case (the case), giving:

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help your case

the reason the witness (a witness) has refused to attend (if they (an employment tribunal) gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s (a witness) expenses.

Going to a tribunal hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support your case (the case). You can take a colleague or someone else with you if you want.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing (a hearing).

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your hearing may take place by phone, by video or in person. If you need to attend in person, find out what to expect when coming to your hearing (a hearing). The tribunal (an employment tribunal) will contact you and tell you how the hearing (a hearing) will take place.

What happens at the hearing (a hearing)

You’ll present your case (the case) to the tribunal (an employment tribunal) - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer, friend or family member. The respondent will present their case against you.

You’ll normally give evidence first, unless your case (the case) is about unfair dismissal. You can also call witnesses to give evidence.

You will usually be asked questions by:

the judge

the respondent

two other tribunal members (only in certain cases)

Get a decision

You’ll be sent the decision (a decision) in the post a few days or weeks after the hearing (a hearing). The decision (a decision) will be published on GOV.UK. In certain cases you may also be given the decision (a decision) at the hearing (a hearing).

If you win your case

If you win your case, the tribunal (an employment tribunal) can order the losing party to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

paying you compensation

paying you any witness expenses you’ve paid

improving your working conditions

giving you your job back, if appropriate

If you get compensation, the amount can depend on:

the type of case - there are limits on certain cases

how much money you’ve lost because of the respondent’s (The respondent) actions

your age, length of service and salary

If the respondent does not pay

If you do not get your payment, contact them (The respondent) to find out why.

If they (The respondent) still do not pay you can ask to have them (The respondent) fined and named online by the government. You can also ask a court to force them (The respondent) to pay.

You cannot do these things if the respondent has appealed, or is about to. They (The respondent) have 42 days to appeal.

Get the respondent fined and named online by the government

Use the penalty enforcement form. Post it to the address on the form or email it to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The respondent will initially get a warning notice telling them (The respondent) they (The respondent) may be fined, and named online by the government.

If they (The respondent) do not pay the compensation within 28 days of this notice they (The respondent)’ll have to pay a fine and may be named online by the government.

You can still get a court to force them (The respondent) to pay.

Forcing them (The respondent) to pay if you’re in England or Wales

You can use the Fast Track scheme to send a High Court Enforcement Officer - similar to a bailiff - to demand payment from the respondent.

It (send) costs £66, which you get back from the respondent when they (The respondent) pay.

Fill in the Fast Track Enforcement form (or the Acas settlement form if your case was settled before a hearing) and send it to the address on the form (the penalty enforcement form).

You can also ask the local county court to send an enforcement officer to get the money from the respondent. This costs £44.

Fill in an application to enforce an award form and send it with a copy of the tribunal’s decision to your local county court.

Forcing them (The respondent) to pay if you’re in Scotland

Write to the office that heard your case and ask for an ‘extract of the judgment’. A sheriff officer can use this to force the respondent to pay.

If the respondent is ‘insolvent’ (for example, they (The respondent)’re in administration, liquidation or receivership) you can make a claim for money they (The respondent) owe you, including redundancy payments.

If you lose your case

You can ask the tribunal (the tribunal’s) to reconsider the decision (or ‘judgment’) (the judgment) if you lose your case.

You must write to the tribunal office (the office that heard your case) within 14 days of getting the decision (the tribunal’s decision), saying why you want it (the tribunal’s decision) to be reconsidered.

You also need to give good reasons, for example:

the tribunal (the tribunal’s) made a mistake in the way it (the tribunal’s) reached its (the tribunal’s) decision (the tribunal’s decision)

you were not told about the hearing, or were not at the hearing

there’s new evidence

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with your case (the office that heard your case).

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Get a refund for tribunal fees

You can get a refund if you paid fees at an Employment Tribunal or Employment Appeals Tribunal between 29 July 2013 and 26 July 2017.

How to apply

You can apply online if:

you have not changed your name since you made the claim to the tribunal (the tribunal’s)

your claim (the claim to the tribunal (the tribunal’s)) was against one employer

you have a UK bank account

Otherwise, you can apply by post or email.

You’ll need to include how much you paid in tribunal fees.

Apply online

Use the service to apply for a refund online.

Apply by email or post

The form you use depends on why you paid the fees (tribunal fees).

Use form 1/2-CR if:

you made the claim on your own and paid the fees (tribunal fees)

a claim was brought against you and you were ordered to pay someone’s fees, or if you paid any other fees to the tribunal (the tribunal’s)

you were the ‘lead claimant’ in a joint (‘multiple’) claim for less than 11 people

Use form 3-S if:

you paid the fees (tribunal fees) for someone else to make the claim

you were the ‘lead claimant’ in a joint (‘multiple’) claim for over 10 people

Send your completed form by post or email to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

Get help applying

Contact HMCTS (HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)) if you need help applying or have questions about refunds.

Find out about call charges.

What happens next

If you’re entitled to a refund it’ll be transferred to your bank account (plus 0.5% interest). You’ll get a letter confirming the amount.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal (the tribunal’s) follows rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

The tribunal (the tribunal’s) has issued guidance and practice directions for England and Wales and Scotland which provide more information about specific areas, such as postponing hearings and serving documents.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.