Make an enquiry to a disputes scheme
The Disputes Resolution Schemes actively work with financial mentors to resolve issues for their clients.
Before you make a complaint you can make an enquiry to help understand how to help your client the best way. They are there to help you and answer any questions you have.
If you are unsure of the advise they are giving or the conversation is confusing, then keep asking questions or ask them to explain further until it is clear for you.
There are also some serious situations that would make it necessarily to go directly to a disputes scheme to stop any serious harm from being inflicted. For example, disconnection of power.
It may be important to seek independent legal advice in some situations. However, we acknowledge this is often, frustratingly, not accessible for financial mentors or the whānau you assist. Your local community law centre, a dispute resolution service or the Commerce Commission can be good places to run your thoughts by in the meantime while wider work is done on opportunities to address the gap in this expert support across our sector.
You can find the nearest centre on their website:
How would we start when making an enquiry to one of these organisations? The next topic has some questions that can guide you.