FirstSave is committed to providing a fast and efficient service for its customers, and to keeping errors down to a minimum. In order to achieve this, FirstSave uses the most up-to-date technology and employs well-trained, dedicated staff.
Unfortunately, there may be occasions when we will fall below our own high standards, possibly a delay in processing a transaction or an error while processing a transaction. FirstSave recognises the distress such an event can cause and has implemented a procedure designed to minimise the inconvenience to its customers
FirstSave’s policy is to ensure that all complaints are treated fairly and sympathetically. In addition, complaints will be registered and monitored by an appointed person to ensure the customer is kept informed on a regular basis and that a final response is sent as soon as possible.
A member of staff will be designated to handle the complaint and the customer will be advised of this person's name so they have a definite point of contact. Whenever possible the designated Account Officer will not have been involved in the transaction or situation that triggered the complaint.
Customers are invited to contact this person if they have any questions or queries, or if they wish to enquire about the progress of the complaint.
It should be pointed out, however, that any complaints concerning old transactions might require records to be retrieved from FirstSave's archive. This may lead to a delay before the complaint can be resolved, but FirstSave will keep the customer fully informed and give an anticipated date by which the information should be available. Once the information is received FirstSave will be in a position to give an expected date by which the complaint can be resolved.
Once a complaint has been received, whether in writing or verbally, it will be 'logged-in' and an Account Officer designated. At this stage the Account Officer will clarify any points that are not clear in order that the exact nature of the complaint is understood.
If the complaint can be resolved by the close of business the next day, a final response will be sent to the customer at that time. If early settlement of the complaint is not possible then an acknowledgement will be sent to the customer within five business days of receipt of the complaint. This communication will include the name and title of the member of staff handling the complaint together with a copy of this complaints procedure.
FirstSave expects to reply much sooner but in any event FirstSave will send a final response within eight weeks of receiving the complaint. In the unlikely event FirstSave is not able to provide a final response within this time FirstSave will advise the customer why the complaint has not yet been resolved and state an anticipated final response date. If further responses are required before the complaint is settled, FirstSave will ensure that they are sent within reasonable time limits that are communicated to, and if necessary agreed with, the customer.
If you are still dissatisfied, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service 'FOS' within six months of the date of our final response letter. The FOS was set up principally to review unresolved complaints from personal customers or business customers/organisations with an annual turnover of less than £1m.
We can inform you if you are eligible to refer your complaint to the FOS directly at:
The Financial Ombudsman Service
Exchange Tower
Harbour Exchange Square
London E14 9SR
Telephone: 0800 023 4567 / 0300 123 9123
E-mail: Complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
The correct and efficient handling of complaints is important to FirstSave, and should customers have any comments we would welcome them. Such comments should be put in writing and addressed to The Compliance Officer.