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Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015

Escalate your Sky complaint to CISAS

You complained. Nothing happened. There is a free, independent scheme that can order them to put it right, and a deadline they cannot talk their way out of.

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The law on your side

Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015

SI 2015/542

  • Regulators do not settle individual complaints. Ofcom and Ofgem license and fine companies; the ADR scheme is the one that can order your money back.
  • Which scheme you use is decided by the company, not by you. Telecom providers are split between CISAS and Ombudsman Services, and applying to the wrong one gets the case refused.
  • You can escalate once the deadline has passed OR when you have a final response, whichever comes first. It is not both.
  • ADR is free to consumers. A company or claims firm charging you to refer a complaint is charging for something you can do yourself in about ten minutes.
  • The decision only binds the company if you accept it. Rejecting it leaves your right to go to court intact.

What you are owed

SituationRemedy
Cost to youFree. ADR schemes are paid for by the company
Binding on the companyYes, if you accept the decision
Binding on youNo. You can reject it and go to court instead
Typical remediesCorrection of the account, refund of wrong charges, apology, goodwill payment
Time limitUsually 12 months from the final response

Source: SI 2015/542.

Copy-paste letter template

Replace anything in [SQUARE_BRACKETS] with your details. Keep the tone factual - the citations do the heavy lifting.

Dear Sky Complaints Team,

Reference: [ACCOUNT_OR_COMPLAINT_REFERENCE]
Original complaint date: [DATE_FIRST_COMPLAINED]

I first raised this complaint on [DATE_FIRST_COMPLAINED] and it remains unresolved. This letter is a formal request for your final response.

What I complained about: [ONE_LINE_SUMMARY]

What has happened since: [WHAT_THEY_DID_OR_DID_NOT_DO]

What I want: [SPECIFIC_REMEDY_AND_AMOUNT]

Under your complaints code of practice I am entitled to a final response, commonly called a deadlock letter, which allows me to refer this matter to [ADR_SCHEME] at no cost to me. Please either resolve the complaint as set out above or issue that final response.

If I have not received either within 14 days, or once [ESCALATION_WINDOW] has passed since I first complained, I will refer the matter to [ADR_SCHEME] without further notice.

Yours faithfully,
[YOUR_NAME]
[YOUR_ADDRESS]
[YOUR_CONTACT_DETAILS]
Personalise this letter with AISee all Sky contact routes

If they ignore the first letter

  1. 1

    Ask Sky for a final response

    Put it in writing and use the words “final response” or “deadlock letter”. That document lets you go to ADR immediately instead of waiting out the clock.

    Allow 14 days

  2. 2

    Wait 6 weeks from the day you first complained

    Once 6 weeks has passed you can escalate whether or not Sky has replied. Silence counts. You do not need their permission and you do not need a deadlock letter as well.

    6 weeks

  3. 3

    Refer it to CISAS

    Free to you. CISAS is the approved scheme Sky is signed up to, and if you accept the decision it binds them.

  4. 4

    Tell Ofcom separately, if you want to

    Ofcom will not resolve your individual case and cannot order Sky to pay you. It uses reports as evidence to fine and regulate. Worth two minutes after your ADR case is filed, never instead of it.

Final stop: CISAS.

Quick answers

Can I complain to Ofcom or Ofgem about a company?

You can report them, but it will not get your problem fixed. Neither regulator settles individual disputes or awards compensation to you personally. They use reports as intelligence for enforcement, and they can fine a company for systemic failures. The route that can actually order your money back is the ADR scheme. Report to the regulator as well, not instead.

Which ombudsman does my provider belong to?

The company chooses, and it varies within a single sector. In telecom, Ofcom's approved schemes are CISAS and Ombudsman Services: Communications, and providers are split between them. In energy it is the Energy Ombudsman for everyone. Applying to the wrong scheme gets your case refused, so check before you file.

How long do I have to wait before escalating?

Six weeks in telecom and broadband, eight in energy, counted from the day you first complained. Ofcom cut the telecom window from eight weeks to six, so older guides still say eight. You can go earlier if the company issues a final response or deadlock letter.

Does it cost me anything?

No. ADR schemes are funded by the companies that belong to them, and the consumer pays nothing whatever the outcome.

What if I do not like the decision?

You can reject it. The decision binds the company only once you accept it, and rejecting it leaves you free to bring a claim in the county court. Accepting it usually means giving up the right to sue over the same issue.

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Disclaimer: NoReply is an independent consumer advocacy platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Sky. This page summarises Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/542) for general guidance and is not legal advice. Always check the current statutory text before acting.