Appeals and Complaints

Authors may use the following procedures to appeal editorial decisions, raise complaints about failures in journal processes, such as excessive delays in handling manuscripts, or raise concerns about publication ethics.

Complaints should initially be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief. Where the complaint concerns the journal’s processes or procedures, the complainant may also contact the Executive Manager of the Journal of Rescue and Relief.

Appealing an Editorial Decision, e.g., an Appeal against Rejection

If an author believes that a decision to reject a manuscript was not made in accordance with the journal’s policies and procedures, the author may appeal the decision by providing the Editor-in-Chief with a detailed, point-by-point response to the reviewers’ comments. The Editor-in-Chief will review the peer-review process followed for the manuscript.

The Editor-in-Chief will consider the author’s arguments and the reviewers’ reports and determine whether:

• the decision to reject the manuscript should stand;

• an additional independent opinion is required; or

• the appeal should be considered further.

The complainant will be informed of the decision and, where appropriate, provided with an explanation. Decisions on appeals are final. New submissions will normally take priority over appeals.

Complaints about Journal Processes, e.g., Time Taken to Review a Manuscript

The Editor-in-Chief, together with the Executive Manager of the Journal of Rescue and Relief, will investigate complaints concerning the journal’s processes and procedures. The complainant will be provided with appropriate feedback, and relevant feedback may be used to improve the journal’s processes and procedures.

Complaints about Publication Ethics, e.g., Authors’ or Reviewers’ Conduct

The Editor-in-Chief will handle complaints concerning publication ethics in accordance with relevant guidelines and flowcharts published by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The Editor-in-Chief may determine an appropriate course of action and will provide appropriate feedback to the complainant.

Where a complaint cannot be resolved through the journal’s internal procedures, the complainant may seek further advice from COPE, where applicable and in accordance with COPE’s procedures.