Complaints: A Quick Guide

You can make your complaint on line How do I Complain?, in person, by phone, by email or in writing.  We have a two-stage complaints procedure.  We will always try to deal with your complaint quickly.  But if it is clear that the matter will need in-depth investigation, we will talk to you about this and keep you updated on our progress.

Stage 1: Frontline response

We will always try to respond to your complaint quickly, within five working days if we can.  If you are dissatisfied with our response, you can ask us to consider your complaint at Stage 2.

Stage 2: Investigation

We will look at your complaint at this stage if you are dissatisfied with our response at Stage 1.  We also look at some complaints at this stage if, following discussion and agreement with you, it is clear that an in-depth investigation is needed.

We will acknowledge your complaint within three working days.

We will confirm the issues to be investigated and what you want to achieve.  We will investigate the complaint and give you our decision as soon as possible. This will be after no more that 20 working days unless there is clearly a good reason for needing more time.

Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO)

If, after receiving our final decision on your complaint, you remain dissatisfied with our decision or the way we have handled your complaint, you can ask NIPSO to consider it. NIPSO Will assess whether there is evidence of service failure or maladministration not identified by us which requires further investigation. NIPSO will signpost you to alternative independent reviewers and provide contact details (where relevant).