Here is the rewritten article: The British Film Institute (BFI) has overhauled its complaints procedure after an independent report found that it had
Here is the rewritten article:
The British Film Institute (BFI) has overhauled its complaints procedure after an independent report found that it had handled an allegation of racial discrimination made by filmmaker Faisal A Qureshi “badly”.
The report, conducted by Verita, an independent reviewer for National Lottery-funded organisations, found that the BFI’s process was flawed and that the organisation had not responded to the specifics of the complaint in a substantive manner.
The changes include introducing a step of meeting with an individual who has lodged a complaint in cases that are sensitive and complex, updating the BFI’s complaints procedural document to outline different types of complaints that may be affected, and implementing a range of communication options for complaining to the BFI.
The report also found that the BFI did not respond in a timely manner to Qureshi’s complaint, did not clearly identify with and agree on what the scope of his complaint was, and made little effort to collect evidence relating to his complaint.
The BFI has also announced that it will be undertaking an independent review of its complaints procedure and a programme of anti-racism training, which will be rolled out across the organisation.
BFI chief executive Ben Roberts has written a formal letter of apology to Qureshi and has invited him to meet with him.
Qureshi has welcomed the changes but has expressed disappointment that the BFI’s response did not go further in addressing the issues raised by his complaint.
“The BFI’s response is just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound,” he said. “It’s not just about changing the procedure, it’s about changing the culture.”
FAQs:
* What was the complaint about?
Qureshi alleged that he was given incorrect information about accessing BFI funding, was inappropriately discouraged from bidding for funding, and was discriminated against on racial grounds.
* How did the BFI handle the complaint?
The BFI did not respond in a timely manner, did not clearly identify with and agree on what the scope of the complaint was, and made little effort to collect evidence relating to the complaint.
* What changes has the BFI made to its complaints procedure?
The BFI has introduced a step of meeting with an individual who has lodged a complaint in cases that are sensitive and complex, updated its complaints procedural document, and implemented a range of communication options for complaining to the BFI.
* What is the BFI’s response to the allegations?
The BFI has apologized and invited Qureshi to meet with him. The organisation has also announced that it will be undertaking an independent review of its complaints procedure and a programme of anti-racism training.
* How has Qureshi responded to the BFI’s response?
Qureshi has welcomed the changes but has expressed disappointment that the BFI’s response did not go further in addressing the issues raised by his complaint.
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