Grievance Procedure

1. Scope of Appeals and Complaints

Appeals and complaints may be submitted regarding any aspect of the editorial, peer review, or publication process.

• Editorial decisions (acceptance, rejection, revision)
• Peer review quality, bias, or conduct
• Ethical concerns or misconduct handling
• Authorship disputes or contribution concerns
• Delays, communication issues, or procedural irregularities
• Post-publication concerns, corrections, or retractions

2. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe that the decision was based on misunderstanding, procedural error, or incomplete evaluation.

• Appeals must be submitted with clear justification
• New evidence, clarification, or detailed response should be provided
• Appeals should not be based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinion

3. Complaints and Grievances

Complaints may be raised by authors, reviewers, editors, or readers regarding concerns about fairness, ethical conduct, or editorial processes.

• Complaints must be specific, evidence-based, and professionally presented
• Anonymous complaints may be considered depending on seriousness
• Frivolous or abusive complaints may not be processed

4. Submission of Appeals and Complaints

Appeals and complaints must be submitted formally via email with complete details and supporting information.

• Manuscript ID or publication reference
• Description of the concern or appeal
• Supporting documents or evidence
• Clear explanation of the requested outcome

5. Review and Evaluation Process

All appeals and complaints undergo a structured review process by the editorial team or designated authority.

• Initial screening for completeness and validity
• Independent assessment by editorial leadership or ethics panel
• Consultation with reviewers or editors where necessary
• Evaluation based on evidence, policy, and fairness

6. Possible Outcomes

Following evaluation, SIARE may take one or more of the following actions:

• Uphold the original decision
• Reconsider the manuscript or decision
• Initiate additional peer review
• Request corrections or clarifications
• Escalate to misconduct or ethics investigation
• Issue editorial clarification or communication

7. Timelines and Communication

SIARE aims to process appeals and complaints in a timely manner, while ensuring thorough and fair evaluation.

• Acknowledgment of receipt within a reasonable timeframe
• Regular updates where extended review is required
• Final outcome communicated clearly and professionally

8. Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

All appeals and complaints are handled confidentially and with respect for all parties involved.

• Information is shared only with relevant editorial personnel
• Identities may be protected where necessary
• All parties are expected to maintain professional conduct

9. Conflict of Interest Management

Appeals and complaints will not be handled by individuals with a conflict of interest. Alternative editors or independent reviewers may be assigned where necessary.

10. Escalation and External Guidance

In complex or serious cases, SIARE may follow internationally recognized guidelines such as those provided by:

• COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)
• Declaration of Helsinki

These frameworks support fair and transparent resolution of disputes and ethical concerns.

11. Relationship with Other Policies

This procedure should be read alongside:

• Handling Misconduct
• Peer Review Policy
• Decision Guidelines
• Corrections & Retractions Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Publication Ethics