Author
Felicity Mitchell
Independent Adjudicator
Felicity Mitchell, Independent Adjudicator, joined the OIA in 2004, and became a Deputy Adjudicator in 2009. She chairs the Good Practice Framework Steering Group and has oversight of the OIA’s good practice and case-handling work. She also has oversight of legal claims against the OIA, including judicial review.
Felicity was called to the Bar in 1992.
16 pieces
Newest first, since March 2018
· Comment
Even in turbulent times the OIA can practise kindness in adjudicating complaints
As the number of complaints referred to the independent ombuds continues to increase, outgoing independent adjudicator Felicity Mitchell reflects on the importance of staying human
· Comment
Do students have the energy to make complaints?
Felicity Mitchell and Ben Elger reflect on a year of complaints received by the Independent Adjudicator, with Covid, capacity and student characteristics important running themes
With Ben Elger
· Comment
Student complaints as we emerge from the pandemic
As we approach the second anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, Felicity Mitchell looks at what the OIA has been seeing in complaints
· Comment
Build Back Higher: post-Covid university life could be kinder, more inclusive – and less risk averse
Covid-19 has taught us a great deal about university cultures and relationships. Josie Fraser, Felicity Mitchell, and Alan Sutherland imagine a kinder, more creative future.
With Josie Fraser and Alan Sutherland
· Comment
Learning from the first wave of students’ Covid-19 complaints
Independent Adjudicator Felicity Mitchell explains OIA’s judgements on whether complaining students were treated unfairly during the first wave of Covid-19.
· Comment
Some students are more seriously affected than others – complaints during Covid-19
Independent Adjudicator Felicity Mitchell sets out how the OIAHE will examine complaints from students relating to Covid-19
· Comment
Student complaints in the context of coronavirus
Felicity Mitchell and Ben Elger introduce the publication of the 2019 OAIHE annual report.
With Ben Elger
· SUs
OIA: helping to minimise the impact of industrial action on students
Many students will be concerned about the current industrial action, and how it might affect their studies. For some this will be the third round of strikes – for some the action comes hard up against their final assessm
With Wonkhe SUs explainer
· Comment
How to manage student complaints without NDAs
A non-disclosure agreement can be a barrier that prevents a provider learning from complaints. Independent Adjudicator Felicity Mitchell recommends a more positive approach.
· Comment
We need to give “special consideration” some special consideration
How should universities handle requests for “special consideration”. Independent Adjudicator Felicity Mitchell on a new best practice consultation
· Comment
What happens when a student is not fit to practise?
Decisions made by universities can change the course of someone’s career. Independent Adjudicator Felicity Mitchell explores what happens when a student on a professional programme is deemed “unfit to practice”.
· SUs · Members
Student disciplinary procedures in focus
The Independent Adjudicator looks at best practice in student disciplinary procedures in light of press stories focussed on academic misconduct. This is a briefing for Wonkhe SUs subscribers. To find out more go to the S
With Wonkhe SUs explainer
· Comment
Learning from students’ industrial action complaints
Felicity Mitchell, the independent adjudicator at OAIHE, brings out common themes from a spate of complaints and responses relating to last year’s industrial action.
· Analysis
A matter of discipline
The Independent Adjudicator reflects on themes arising from the OIA’s consultation on good practice in disciplinary procedures.
· Comment
Fair processes mean fair outcomes
Felicity Mitchell – the Independent Adjudicator – takes us through the proposed new guidance.
· Comment
Student contracts: protection or distraction?
The OIA’s interim Independent Adjudicator, Felicity Mitchell, argues that student contracts are one tool among many to support the student experience.