Audit of the SSHRC appeals process

To better align the SSHRC appeals process with the principles of independent merit review, the appeals process1 is managed by individuals who were not involved in the management and review of the original application. [...] The high-level process4 for reviewing an appeal is as follows: 1. SSHRC formally acknowledges receipt of the appeal letter with the applicant; 2. SSHRC analyzes the appeal, the application and related merit review documents; 3. SSHRC submits a recommendation as to whether or not the grounds for appeal are met – two options then present: a. The grounds for appeal are not met, and SSHRC sends the ap [...] In 2011, the entire appeal process was revised and with the current process, the office of the Executive Vice-president (EVP), Corporate Affairs (CA) handles the intake and processing of appeals for all SSHRC programs. [...] Currently, the final appeal decision is made by the office of the EVP; letters are drafted and signed by the EVP and then included in the appeal file without providing a convenience copy or confirmation of the decision to the program team. [...] During the file review, it was found that the documented procedure was generally followed, but there were some discrepancies and differences in terms of 1) the level of detail of documentation maintained in the physical and the electronic files; and 2) the documentation of decisions made by SSHRC.