Professional Standards
Submit a Complaint
If you believe an IVCA-registered practitioner has breached our Code of Ethics, you can raise a formal complaint. All complaints are treated in the strictest confidence.
Eligibility
Who Can Raise a Complaint?
Any of the following may submit a formal complaint to IVCA:
- A current or former client of an IVCA-registered practitioner
- A family member or representative of a client where the client is unable to complain themselves
- A fellow IVCA-registered practitioner with direct knowledge of a breach
- A member of the public with reasonable grounds to believe a breach has occurred
- IVCA itself, where the board or ethics committee has reason to investigate
Complaints must relate to the professional conduct of a currently or previously registered IVCA practitioner. IVCA does not investigate complaints about practitioners who have never held IVCA registration.
Anonymous complaints may be accepted in exceptional circumstances where there is credible evidence of serious misconduct, but named complaints are given priority and are more easily investigated.
Before You Submit
Please Check
- Have you attempted to raise your concern directly with the practitioner? In many cases, a direct conversation resolves the issue.
- Is the practitioner currently or previously registered with IVCA? You can check via the credential verification tool.
- Do you have specific information about the conduct you are concerned about — including dates, context, and any supporting evidence?
- Are you prepared to be identified as the complainant? Anonymous submissions limit the scope of investigation.
Not sure whether to complain? Contact IVCA at info@vitalcodeassociation.com for a confidential discussion before submitting a formal complaint.
How It Works
The Complaints Process
A structured, fair, and transparent four-stage process — designed to protect both complainants and respondents.
Submission
Complete the complaint form below, providing as much detail as possible: the name and IVCA number of the practitioner concerned, the nature of the alleged breach, dates and context, and any supporting evidence (correspondence, session notes, etc.).
Acknowledgement
IVCA will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 business days. A preliminary assessment will be carried out to determine whether the complaint falls within IVCA's jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient information to proceed. You will be informed of the outcome of this assessment.
Investigation
Where a complaint proceeds, it is assigned to IVCA's independent Ethics Panel — members with no direct connection to either party. The practitioner is notified and given the opportunity to respond. Both parties may submit evidence and representations. The panel may request additional information and, where appropriate, may seek the view of an independent specialist.
Decision & Outcome
The Ethics Panel issues a written decision, setting out its findings and any sanction imposed. Both parties are notified simultaneously. Either party may appeal the decision within 28 days. Appeals are heard by a separate panel that did not participate in the original investigation.
Submit Your Complaint
Complaint Form
Please complete all sections as fully as possible. Incomplete submissions may delay the investigation.
This form allows you to submit an ethical complaint about an IVCA practitioner. All complaints are reviewed confidentially by the IVCA Ethics Committee. You may submit anonymously.