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UCL agrees compensation for students living in Hawkridge House

3 December 2015

A group complaint submitted by students living in Hawkridge House alleging unacceptable living conditions during the 2014-2015 academic year has been upheld by the UCL Complaints Panel.

Belgium travel advice for UCL students and staff The complaint stemmed from building works being undertaken at Hawkridge house.

The panel, chaired by Rex Knight, Vice-Provost (Operations), has recommended that all residents of Hawkridge House should be awarded a full rent rebate for the summer term of 2014-2015.

In total 48 complaint forms were submitted through UCL's Student Complaints Procedure by David Dahlborn, UCLU Halls Accommodation Representative for 2014-15, on behalf of students residing at Hawkridge House.

Due to the significant overlap in content of the individual complaints, it was decided the matter should be taken forward as a group complaint.

Apology

Mr Rex Knight said, "On behalf of UCL I would like to apologise for the experience that the residents of Hawkridge House faced during 2014-15 and I would like to reassure that UCL takes its responsibility towards its students' extremely seriously and values highly its relationship with the student body. As such I am sorry that on this occasion the students' experience did not match their or our expectations."

He added, "The panel have recommended a number of measures to improve the experience of students living in UCL halls of residence subject to building works. They include the establishment of a protocol for undertaking a full impact assessment of any building works on student accommodation, as well as improved communications procedures to mitigate against the impact of building works. In addition, the panel recommended UCL Residences conduct a review of their complaints process, focusing on the need for early dispute resolution."

Mr Rex Knight, Vice-Provost (Operations)