SPSO Consultation Deadline Nears

The SPSO’s Consultation on a Statement of Complaints Handling Principles and Guidance on a Model Complaints Handling Procedure closes on 8 September 2010. 

We are pleased to have received a number of formal responses since it launched on 16 June.  We have also welcomed the constructive feedback provided at the many events, meetings and workshops we have held to generate debate about the changes proposed in the document.

Background
As required by the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, the Ombudsman is consulting on a statement of principles on which all public service complaints handling procedures should be based.  The aim of the legislation is to simplify and streamline complaints handling across the public sector.  The Act also provides the Ombudsman with the power to publish model complaints handling procedures (CHPs).  The guidance on model CHPs is intended to provide broad direction and support to public service providers. Based on the principles and guidance, the Ombudsman will establish a complaints standards authority (CSA). Working in partnership with individual public sector areas, the CSA will oversee the process of developing simplified and standardised model complaints handling procedures for each sector.
 
For further information:
The SPSO's Valuing Complaints website will act as the resource and reference point for public service providers to support them in ensuring that their procedures comply with the principles and are in line with the guidance.  Visit www.valuingcomplaints.org.uk for further information.