Harassment Policy
Before Making a Complaint
If you wish to make a complaint about a piercer, including a member of the Board of Directors, we have procedures in place to ensure the process is transparent and helpful to you.
Before submitting a complaint, please review the limitations of the UKAPP complaints procedure and the standards that must be met.
Our Limitations
The UKAPP cannot prevent a person from piercing altogether.
- If you believe someone is operating in breach of their license, you should immediately report them to their local Environmental Health Department, as only they can investigate and take action.
- The UKAPP cannot submit this complaint on your behalf.
- If the piercer is a UKAPP member, the revocation or suspension of their license will put them in breach of UKAPP membership requirements, and we will remove them immediately.
The UKAPP cannot enact criminal proceedings.
- If you believe a criminal act has been committed, please notify the authorities so they can investigate.
- If the piercer’s license is suspended or revoked following legal action, UKAPP will remove them immediately.
- If you do not wish to make a criminal complaint, you may still submit a first-person complaint against the individual.
UKAPP cannot revoke membership based on breaches of the Code of Conduct that occurred before membership began.
- The Code of Conduct takes effect only from the time a person becomes a member.
Not all breaches of the Code of Conduct will result in revocation of membership.
- Each case is investigated individually.
- Depending on the severity, actions may include:
- A reminder of the rules
- A written warning
- Revocation of membership
If the subject of the complaint is not a UKAPP member, our actions may be limited.
- However, we may be able to ban them from UKAPP conferences or events.
Complaint Requirements
Complaints must be first-hand.
- You cannot submit a complaint on behalf of someone else.
- Every UKAPP member has the right to know what accusations have been made against them and to defend themselves.
- You do not need to be a UKAPP member to submit a complaint—complaints from the public and non-members are handled the same way.
Evidence may be required depending on the complaint.
- While not always essential, supporting details may be requested. Examples include:
- Harassment: Documentation of messages
- Breaches of UKAPP standards: A photo showing a piercer using externally threaded jewellery or a piercing gun after they became a UKAPP member
- While not always essential, supporting details may be requested. Examples include:
Frivolous Complaints
- All complaints are taken seriously and fully investigated.
- However, not getting along with another piercer does not constitute bullying.
When to Submit a Complaint
✅ If a member has used racist, homophobic, or sexually abusive language
✅ If a member has threatened violence
✅ If a member is harassing you with an unreasonable amount of unwanted contact
🔹 If this happens, block them immediately and submit a complaint to the UKAPP and, if necessary, the authorities.
When NOT to Submit a Complaint
❌ If you and another piercer have had a disagreement or do not get along
- People are entitled to dislike each other.
- If an argument does not involve harassment or abuse, we recommend ceasing communication and using the block feature on social media.
Complaints Procedure
- Complaints must be submitted in writing via the UKAPP complaints form.
- Complaints cannot be made on social media, as these records are not retained.
- The Board of Directors will not discuss complaints publicly.
Steps to Submit a Complaint
- Fill in the complaints form on this page below this information.
- You will receive an automatic acknowledgment and then a personal acknowledgement within 7 days, along with any requests for additional information if needed.
- Investigation:
- A board member will review your complaint and investigate.
- If the complaint involves someone the board member is personally connected to, it will be assigned to another member to ensure fairness.
- Resolution:
- You will receive a decision within 1 month of submitting your complaint.
- Most complaints will be resolved sooner, but complex cases may take longer.
- If no action is taken, you will receive a written explanation.
- If dissatisfied, you may submit a new complaint without prejudice if more evidence becomes available.
Anonymity
- Your identity will never be made public.
- The board member handling your case will know your identity, but the rest of the board will only see your details as “The Complainant” to protect anonymity.
- However, depending on the nature of the complaint, the accused may be able to infer your identity.
Questions?
For additional information, please contact:
📧 community@safepiercing.co.uk
File a Complaint
To submit a complaint, please complete the UKAPP Complaints Form here and follow the outlined process.
If you wish to move ahead with this complaint please take your time to complete the following information to the best of your ability
Get in touch For Other Enquiries
Our team is ready to assist with your other enquiries. Choose the method that works best for you:
Email US DIRECTLY
For public enquiries: liaison@safepiercing.co.uk
For Membership enquiries: membership@safepiercing.co.uk