Stage 2 – Independent Investigation

The Complaints Manager will arrange for your complaint to be formally investigated by an independent investigating officer. This person will have no previous knowledge of your concern, or have anything to do with the people involved in your situation, but will be qualified to look into your complaint. An independent person is also appointed. This person is not employed by the authority, but he or she will be able to make sure that your complaint is handled properly. You can talk to these people by yourself, with a friend, relative or advocate from Voice (see How an Advocate Can Help).

Once they have investigated the complaint you will receive a formal reply from the Director of Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting, in response to the independant person's report and investigating officer's report. These should reach you within 25 working days unless a longer period of time has been agreed by you which will be no longer than 65 working days.

We would hope that after this thorough investigation your problem would have been sorted out, but if you are still not happy and feel your problem has not been sorted out, you can move on to the next stage.