If you’re considering raising a concern about a public school, school district, university or college in British Columbia, you may be entitled to ask the BC Ombudsperson to review how your situation was handled. The Ombudsperson is an independent officer of the BC Legislature who can investigate whether public bodies treated people fairly and reasonably.
But not all issues are eligible, and many complaints need to go through existing school or campus processes first.
This guide helps you understand:
- when the Ombudsperson can investigate
- how to raise your concern
- what to try first
- common pitfalls people encounter
What the BC Ombudsperson can investigate
The BC Ombudsperson’s office can investigate complaints about unfair or unreasonable administrative actions by public authorities — including:
- public schools and all 60 school districts in BC
- public universities and colleges
Before the Ombudsperson will consider your case, you’re generally expected to have first tried to resolve the issue with the organisation directly.
For example:
- most school districts are required under the School Act to have appeal processes for decisions affecting a student’s health, safety or education.
- universities and colleges usually have formal internal procedures for grade appeals and student discipline.
Only after these internal avenues have been tried will the Ombudsperson usually accept a complaint.
What kinds of issues the Ombudsperson looks at
The Ombudsperson’s role is not to overturn every decision — it’s to determine if an organisation’s actions were administratively fair and reasonable.
This can include:
- delays without reasonable explanation
- failure to follow published policies or procedures
- inconsistent application of rules
- decisions made without giving the affected person a fair chance to be heard
It does not include:
- private disputes between individuals
- policy choices that have broad public impact without individual unfairness
- complaints about decisions that are purely academic or contractual (unless there is evidence of unfair process)
If you’re unsure whether your issue fits, you can contact the Ombudsperson’s office for a preliminary check.
Before you contact the Ombudsperson
Try the internal complaint or appeal process.
Most schools, districts, colleges and universities have their own mechanisms for reviewing concerns. You should:
- ask about the relevant process on the school or campus website
- put your concern in writing if possible
- keep records of who you contacted and when
If these steps haven’t resolved your concern, the Ombudsperson may consider your issue.
Gather clear documentation
When preparing to raise a concern, it helps to:
- describe what happened, clearly and concisely
- explain what outcome you are seeking
- note any deadlines you were given
Keeping track of details makes it easier for an investigator to understand your situation.
How to make a complaint to the Ombudsperson
Once you’ve tried any available internal processes:
- Go to the BC Ombudsperson’s online complaint form.
- Provide basic details of the organisation and the concern.
- Attach relevant documentation if you have it.
If you haven’t used an internal process because of barriers (e.g. disability, urgency), you can explain this when you contact the office — the Ombudsperson may consider your circumstances before deciding what to do next.
The Ombudsperson’s services are free and confidential. If they can’t investigate your complaint, they’ll often point you to another appropriate avenue.
What happens after you submit
Once a complaint is accepted for review:
- an investigator may contact you for more information
- the organisation will usually be asked to respond
- the Ombudsperson determines whether there was unfair or unreasonable treatment
- they may make recommendations to the organisation
Not all complaints result in a finding of unfairness, but accepted files are reviewed impartially.
Common scenarios people ask about
Schools and districts
Complaints here often relate to:
- how discipline was handled
- special education and inclusion supports
- communication breakdowns with staff or administrators
Remember, most school boards have appeal rights under the School Act — these should be exhausted first.
Universities and colleges
Issues often include:
- grade appeals
- student conduct decisions
- procedural fairness in academic processes
Each institution usually has its own internal review structure that must be tried before the Ombudsperson will step in.
Need support before or during the process?
If you’re unsure what steps are available at the school or institution level, or you need advocacy or legal advice before making a formal complaint, consider reaching out to:
- student unions or societies (for post-secondary)
- parent advisory councils or associations
- local advocacy groups
These resources can help you understand your options before involving the Ombudsperson.
Frequently asked questions
Can teachers, students, parents or staff complain?
Yes — anyone affected by unfair treatment by a public school, district, university or college can raise a concern with the Ombudsperson, as long as internal remedies have been tried first.
What’s the difference between internal appeals and the Ombudsperson?
Internal appeals address specific decisions under school or campus rules. The Ombudsperson looks at whether processes were administered fairly and without unreasonable treatment.
Will the Ombudsperson reverse a decision?
Internal appeals address specific decisions under school or campus rules. The Ombudsperson looks at whether processes were administered fairly and without unreasonable treatment.
Where to start
To begin your complaint with the BC Ombudsperson when internal processes are complete, use the online complaint form at bcombudsperson.ca and follow the prompts.
If you need help understanding eligibility or your situation is urgent, the Ombudsperson’s team can discuss your circumstances before deciding whether to investigate.