How to raise a complaint about your recruitment application

What this article is about
This article explains what to do if you are unhappy with how an element of the recruitment process has been handled.

Who this is for
Applicants who want to raise a complaint or review request about any area of the recruitment process where the issue has not been able to be resolved via the normal support route.

What you need to know

• You should try and resolve your concerns via the normal support route before raising a formal complaint
• Complaints must follow the published recruitment complaints process.
• You should raise interview problems on the same day where the guidance requires this.
• Complaints must be within the scope of the policy to be considered. Disagreeing with the rules of the recruitment process or the judgement of assessors is not usually grounds for complaint.
• The complaints process usually considers whether the recruitment process was followed correctly.
• Complaints normally need to be made within a defined timescale and ensure they are submitted using the standard form where applicable to that process.
• You should explain clearly what process issue you are raising and what outcome you are seeking.
• A complaint does not automatically pause or change the recruitment process.

What to do

1. Read the applicant guidance and complaints policy scope.
2. Try to resolve informally via the normal support route before raising an official complaint.
3. Gather relevant evidence, including emails, screenshots, score sheets or notes of issues raised on the day.
4. Submit your complaint through the published route and using a standard form where one applies to that process; complaints are submitted by email for recruitment processes managed by HET: england.complaints.lase@nhs.net.
5. Include your full name, applicant ID if available, specialty, recruitment round, interview or offer date, the issue, when it happened and the outcome you are seeking.
6. Keep a copy of your complaint.
7. Respond promptly if further information is requested.

If this does not work

If your complaint relates to a process outside HET, you may be redirected to the relevant national recruitment office, employer or other responsible organisation.

If your complaint is outside the scope of the recruitment complaints process, you may be directed to another route or advised that the matter cannot be considered under that process. 

Complaints processes usually have a second stage where you are not satisfied, although you will need to supply additional evidence for it to be considered.

Who to contact
Use the recruitment complaints or support route set out in the applicant guidance.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Advise on the scope of the complaints policy and try to help you manage issues informally.
• Directing you to the correct complaint or review route.
• Considering HET-owned local process complaints where applicable.

HET cannot help with

• Considering complaints where another organisation owns the process.
• Overturning national recruitment decisions outside the correct process.
• Providing legal advice.

Related articles

• How to raise a complaint about the recruitment process
• Understanding your interview score sheet
• What to do if your offer is withdrawn or expires

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 25 September 2026