The European Psychological Society (EPS) is committed to maintaining high standards of professional conduct, scientific integrity, ethical responsibility, and organisational accountability across the European psychological community.

We recognise that concerns and complaints are an important part of ensuring transparency, protecting professional standards, and maintaining public confidence in psychology.
 

The Society is committed to addressing complaints fairly, impartially, consistently, and with appropriate confidentiality. We aim to ensure that all concerns brought to our attention are considered with respect, procedural fairness, and due regard for the rights of everyone involved.
 

We also recognise complaints as an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and strengthen the quality of our activities, services, and professional community.
 

Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, we encourage individuals to seek an informal resolution before submitting a formal complaint.

Many concerns can be resolved through direct communication, clarification, or constructive discussion with the individual or department concerned.

If your complaint relates to an EPS service, event, publication, or administrative matter, we recommend contacting the relevant EPS representative in the first instance.

However, informal resolution is not required where the matter is serious, involves alleged misconduct, presents a potential risk to others, or where direct communication would be inappropriate or uncomfortable.

If informal resolution is unsuccessful or unsuitable, you may submit a formal complaint to the Society.
 

What Can You Submit a Complaint About?

The European Psychological Society welcomes complaints and concerns relating to matters within its organisational responsibilities and established professional standards.

Complaints may fall into the following categories.

Complaints About an EPS Member

Concerns regarding the professional, scientific, or ethical conduct of an EPS member may be submitted where the alleged conduct potentially conflicts with the Society's applicable ethical principles, membership obligations, or professional standards.

Such concerns may include:

• Alleged violations of professional or research ethics.

• Misrepresentation of professional qualifications, credentials, or expertise.

• Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate professional conduct.

• Serious breaches of scientific integrity, including research misconduct.

• Conduct that may undermine public trust in psychology or the professional integrity of the Society.

Membership in the EPS does not replace professional registration or licensing requirements established by national authorities.
 

Where a complaint concerns professional practice regulated under national law, the relevant national regulatory or professional authority may be the appropriate organisation to contact.
 

Complaints About the Society

We are committed to providing professional, accessible, and reliable services to our members and the wider public.

You may submit a complaint concerning:

• The quality or administration of EPS services.

• Membership applications, renewals, or related decisions.

• Conferences, events, educational activities, or publications organised by the EPS.

• The conduct of EPS staff, representatives, or officials acting in an organisational capacity.

• Alleged unfair treatment, discrimination, or failure to follow established procedures.

• Administrative errors, communication difficulties, or unreasonable delays.

All complaints concerning the Society will be considered in accordance with the EPS's applicable internal policies and procedures.
 

Complaints About Scientific or Ethical Standards

The EPS recognises the importance of research integrity, academic responsibility, and ethical conduct in psychological science.

Concerns involving suspected research misconduct, unethical scientific practices, conflicts of interest, or serious violations of professional ethical principles may be submitted for preliminary assessment.

Depending on the nature of the concern, the Society may refer the matter to the relevant university, research institution, journal, ethics committee, professional regulator, or competent national authority.
 

How to Submit a Formal Complaint

If you wish to submit a formal complaint, please provide a clear and factual description of your concern.

Your submission should include:

• Your full name and contact information.

• The name of the individual, department, or EPS service concerned, where applicable.

• A detailed description of the incident or circumstances giving rise to the complaint.

• Relevant dates, locations, and other contextual information.

• Any supporting documentation or evidence that may assist in assessing the matter.

• Details of any previous attempts to resolve the concern, where applicable.

• The outcome or resolution you are seeking.
   

We encourage complainants to provide accurate, relevant, and complete information to support an effective assessment.
 

Where possible, complaints should be submitted in writing through the Society's designated complaints contact channel.
 

How Complaints Are Handled

The European Psychological Society aims to ensure that complaints are assessed through a fair, proportionate, and transparent process.
 

The proposed complaints procedure consists of the following stages.

Stage 1 — Acknowledgement

Following receipt of a complaint, the Society will acknowledge the submission and provide information about the next steps.
 

Stage 2 — Preliminary Assessment

The complaint will be reviewed to determine whether it falls within the responsibilities and authority of the EPS and whether sufficient information has been provided.
 

Stage 3 — Review or Investigation

Where further consideration is warranted, relevant information may be examined and the individuals concerned may be invited to provide a response.

Any review will be conducted with appropriate impartiality, confidentiality, and respect for procedural fairness.
 

Stage 4 — Decision and Outcome

Following consideration of the available evidence, the Society will communicate its conclusions to the complainant, subject to applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Depending on the nature of the complaint and the Society's governing rules, possible outcomes may include clarification, informal resolution, recommendations, corrective organisational measures, referral to another competent body, or action under applicable membership procedures.
 

Stage 5 — Review or Appeal

Where an applicable EPS policy provides for an appeal or internal review, eligible parties will be informed of the relevant procedure.
 

Confidentiality and Data Protection

The European Psychological Society recognises the sensitive nature of complaints and is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of everyone involved.

Information submitted during a complaints process will be handled in accordance with applicable European data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), where applicable.

Personal information will be accessed and disclosed only where necessary and supported by an appropriate legal basis, including where required for a fair assessment, compliance with legal obligations, or referral to competent authorities.

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is necessary to investigate a complaint fairly or comply with legal requirements.
 

Anonymous Complaints

The Society recognises that individuals may sometimes be reluctant to disclose their identity when raising concerns.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where the information provided is sufficiently detailed and capable of independent verification.

However, anonymity may limit the Society's ability to request additional information, assess the available evidence, or provide procedural fairness to the individual concerned.

The decision to consider an anonymous complaint will depend on the seriousness of the allegations, the available evidence, and the applicable EPS procedures.
 

Complaints Outside the Society's Authority

The European Psychological Society is a professional and scientific organisation and does not automatically possess statutory authority to regulate the practice of psychology throughout Europe.

Professional licensing, registration, disciplinary proceedings, and legal enforcement are generally the responsibilities of competent authorities within individual European countries.

Where a complaint concerns alleged criminal conduct, immediate risks to safety, professional licensing, or matters requiring statutory investigation, individuals should contact the relevant national authority.

The EPS may, where appropriate and lawful, provide guidance on identifying the relevant professional or regulatory organisation.
 

Our Commitment to Fairness and Accountability

The European Psychological Society is committed to fostering a professional environment based on integrity, mutual respect, scientific responsibility, and ethical conduct.

Every complaint deserves appropriate consideration, and every individual involved in a complaints process should be treated fairly and respectfully.

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Through transparent procedures, responsible governance, and continuous organisational improvement, we seek to uphold the standards and values of the European psychological community.

Maintaining professional integrity. Promoting accountability. Strengthening trust in psychology.