Support in making a complaint about social care services

People who make a complaint may want support to do so.

Support person

You can ask someone to support you in making a complaint.  They can be with you in any meetings held to look at your complaint.

Representative

You can ask someone to speak on your behalf at any stage of the complaints procedure. They cannot be a legal person acting in a professional capacity (for example, a solicitor or barrister).

Advocate

If a vulnerable person involved in a complaint needs support to make their views heard, they can have an advocate.  An advocate is independent from the relevant department. They help the vulnerable person understand what is happening and can speak for them.

What if I have special needs?

If you need help to take part in the complaints process let us know as soon as possible. For example:

• documents in different formats such as Braille, large print, audio described or translated into different languages
• an interpreter, if English is not your first language
• a loop hearing system
• facilities for a guide dog.

General advice and support

Citizens Advice Bureau
32-36 Carrington Street
Nottingham
NG1 7FG

Tel: 0115 938 8050

Visit the Citizens Advice Bureau's website