A grievance should contain sufficient detail about the alleged conduct or activity to permit an investigation to be conducted and an appropriate response implemented. Grievances should include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. Name(s), affiliation(s), address(es) and other contact information of the complainant(s) and/or their representative(s); 

   1. Representatives must identify the person(s) on whose behalf the grievance is made and provide evidence of the authority to represent such person(s); or

   2. Complainants may remain anonymous. Note, however, that anonymous grievances may limit WCS’s ability to properly investigate and respond to the grievance.

   3. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.  

2. A description of the specific facts, circumstances and events giving rise to the grievance: location, date, time, names and descriptions of individuals involved, statements made including exact quotes where possible, actions observed or witnessed, and names or descriptions of any witnesses. The more specific and detailed information provided in support of the grievance, the more thoroughly and effectively the grievance can be investigated and addressed.  

3. An explanation of the harm suffered and how the rights of an individual or community were violated.  The complainant may refer to codes of conduct, standards, policies or other frameworks (e.g., FPIC) pertinent to the case and, where applicable, should describe any efforts to resolve the grievance through other available redress mechanisms.

4. A description of the relief requested, where relevant or appropriate.

The GRM is available to WCS personnel as well as any external “stakeholder” such as donors; partner organizations; individual members or representatives of a community and third parties with knowledge of the circumstances. 

To address any request, complaint or grievance that may arise in the implementation of WCS activities or sponsored programs, we make available this Grievance Redress Mechanism accessible to all parties, free of charge, accessible via the links below. 

We recommend you submit a grievance to the project or country program closest to where the issue occurred. To directly submit a grievance, click on the relevant site icon below, or use the WCS Global Grievance link.