Inverclyde Carers Centre is committed to providing high quality information, support and advice to Carers. We understand, however, that sometimes things go wrong. If something does go wrong, or if you are dissatisfied with something that we have done, or have not done, please tell us and we will do our best to put things right. If we cannot resolve matters in the way you want, we will explain why it is not possible to do as you suggest.
We regard a complaint as ‘An expression of dissatisfaction by one or more members of the public about our organisation’s action or lack of action, or about the standard of service provided’.
Anyone can make a complaint to us. You can complain directly to us, or if you would rather have someone make the complaint on your behalf, we can deal with your representative, where we have your express permission.
There are some things we cannot deal with through our complaints handling procedure. These include:
You can make your complaint by e-mail to enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk, by telephone (01475 735180) or in person to our office where a complaints form is available.
It is easier for us to resolve complaints if you make them quickly and directly to us. Staff will always try to resolve any problems on the spot if it is possible to do so.
Normally you must make your complaint within six months of the event you want to complain about. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to accept a complaint after the time limit. If you feel that the time limit should not apply to your complaint, please tell us why.
Our complaints procedure has two stages:
Stage 1 – informal frontline resolution
We aim to resolve complaints quickly. Where appropriate, this could mean an on-the-spot apology and explanation if something has clearly gone wrong and immediate action to resolve the problem. Sometimes we will have to make some enquiries before we can respond to your complaint. We will give you our decision within five working days or less, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If we cannot resolve your complaint at this stage, we will explain why and might suggest that you take your complaint to stage two.
Stage 2 – formal investigation
Stage two deals with two types of complaint, those that have not been resolved at stage one or are complex and require detailed investigation.
When using stage two we will:
If our investigation is likely to take longer than 20 working days, we will agree revised time limits with you and keep you updated on progress.
If you are still dissatisfied with our decision or the way in which we have dealt with your complaint when we have sent you our full response, you can ask that it be considered by a complaints sub group of the board or chair of the board who will investigate the complaint and make a written response within one month.
Where a complaint is in relation to services provided through funding from Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership the person complaining can contact their contract monitoring department at any stage.
The Manager shall ensure that recommendations resulting from the investigation are implemented and monitored to ensure they are effective.
Policy Reviewed 16.10.19
