Complaints
If you have concerns about a Bellberry-reviewed study or the way it has been managed we want to hear from you. Here’s how to raise a complaint with Bellberry and what happens next.
Who can make a complaint
Anyone affected by a research study reviewed by our Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) can raise a complaint to Bellberry, including:
- Research participants, their family members, or other concerned parties
- Researchers, including researchers involved in the approved or other studies
- Institutions, organisations or individuals with a direct or indirect interest in the research
Every complaint is treated with fairness, accountability and transparency, in line with Chapter 5.6 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).
If you’re unsure whether something falls within Bellberry’s remit, contact us anyway — we can help point you in the right direction. Bellberry addresses complaints via frontline resolution where possible and undertakes further investigation as required.
What type of complaint you can make
You might want to raise a concern about:
- How a study is being conducted
- A researcher’s conduct
- The study’s process or processes
- A decision or decisions within the study
- the Bellberry HREC processes
- the Bellberry HREC decision
- the nature or content of a Bellberry HREC approved research study
- other research issues, unrelated to the Bellberry HREC
How to make a complaint
You can lodge a complaint by contacting us directly in writing or by phone:
Bellberry Limited
Level 1, 196 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, South Australia, 5063
08 8361 3222
bellberry@bellberry.com.au
When you get in touch, it helps to include the name of the study, what your concern is about, and any relevant dates or details. If you’re not sure what to include, that’s okay — just contact us, and we’ll guide you through it.
What happens next?
Your complaint will be received by Bellberry’s Quality Manager, who will work to address it as quickly as possible.
In accordance with the internal Bellberry complaints management procedure, Bellberry will:
- acknowledge the complaint,
- investigate the complaint and coordinate an outcome between relevant parties
- seek external advice where a resolution cannot be reached,
- record the outcome of the complaint
Some complaints can be resolved straightaway; others may need further investigation, in which case we’ll keep you informed of progress.
For our full policy of our complaints process, see HRO P3 Complaints
Get answers to common queries
Whether you’re preparing your first submission or managing amendments, these answers cover the most common scenarios and link to detailed guidance when needed.
You need to complete the online registration form to register for eProtocol. Please see our Registrations Guidance for further information on how to complete this form.
Research proposals involving human participants require Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) review to ensure they meet ethical standards and guidelines, as set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
But not all projects require full HREC review — some low-risk or quality assurance activities may follow other pathways or be exempt. See our Review Pathways guide for details.
Documents required depend on the type of study you are submitting. Please see our Submission Requirements Checklist for a comprehensive list of possible documents required for review.
Applications can be submitted via eProtocol at anytime and meetings are held weekly on Wednesday evening. Studies being submitted for HREC review have a weekly submission cutoff of Wednesday at 5pm (ACST). A complete application will generally be considered at an HREC meeting on the Wednesday two weeks following the submission cutoff.
Our typical turnaround is around 21 working days from submission to decision. Meetings are usually held weekly on Wednesdays, with the committee’s decision and any comments communicated via eProtocol within two business days following the meeting.
For more information, refer to Submission requirements and responsibilities.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Browse our FAQs page or contact us for helpful guidance and detailed information.
How to Apply
Understand the full application process from start to finish. This step-by-step guide shows you how to register, prepare documents, and submit your study for review.
Learn More
Guidance and Resources
Find policies, templates, and checklists to support your application. From pre-submission planning to post-approval monitoring, this hub gives you practical tools at every stage.
Learn More
Our HREC Fees
Review the current schedule of fees for new applications, amendments, and multi-centre studies. Transparent pricing helps you plan and budget with confidence.
Learn More
Ready to start or need advice?
If you’d like to speak with a Bellberry team member about your study or need help preparing an application, our customer service specialists are here to assist.
If you have concerns about a study or the way it has been managed, learn how to raise a complaint with Bellberry.