Appeals & Complaints Policy

HJBHS is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and accountable editorial process. This policy outlines the procedures for handling appeals and complaints related to editorial decisions, peer review, or other aspects of the publication process.

Scope and Definitions

  • Appeals are requests for reconsideration of editorial decisions, typically submitted by authors or reviewers, based on concerns regarding fairness, objectivity, or accuracy.
  • Complaints express dissatisfaction with any aspect of the editorial or publication process, including ethical concerns, conflicts of interest, delays, or procedural errors.

Submission Procedure

  • Appeals and complaints must be submitted in writing via email to the Chief Editor, clearly detailing the nature of the concern and providing any supporting documentation.
  • Author and reviewer appeals should include the reason for reconsideration and reference relevant correspondence or reviews.
  • Reader complaints should describe the issue in detail and provide evidence where possible.

Confidentiality and Impartiality

  • All appeals and complaints are treated with strict confidentiality.
  • The editorial team ensures that submissions are reviewed impartially, without influence from any parties involved in the original decision.

Review Process

  • The editorial board is responsible for evaluating all appeals and complaints.
  • In complex or specialized cases, independent external experts may be consulted to ensure an objective assessment.
  • A formal response is typically provided within two weeks of receipt, with updates communicated promptly if additional time is required.

Outcomes and Documentation

  • Decisions regarding appeals and complaints are communicated clearly to the complainant or appellant, including any actions taken or recommendations.
  • Records of all appeals and complaints, and their resolutions, are maintained internally for quality assurance and continuous improvement of editorial processes.

Continuous Improvement

Feedback from appeals and complaints is used to refine journal policies, editorial practices, and peer review procedures, ensuring that HJBHS maintains high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical publishing.