We look into complaints about public services in Scotland.  This includes complaints about commissions, commissioners and regulatory/inspection bodies.  We can only look at complaints after they have been through the organisation's complaints procedure.

Organisations that we can look at include:

> The Care Inspectorate (formerly Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS), the Care Commission and the Scottish Social Services Council)
> The Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (formerly the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland, the Standards Commission for Scotland and the Office of the Chief Investigating Officer)
> The Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland
> The Scottish Information Commissioner
> The Scottish Commission for Human Rights

We can look into complaints about how these authorities handled your complaint. However, we are not an appeal body for their decisions, and can’t change these.

 SPSO information leaflets

We are currently amending our leaflets for organisations that have merged or changed their names. However, the general information provided in the leaflets about what we can and can't look at will still be relevant.  If in any doubt, please call our Freephone number 0800 377 7330.

To read our relevant information leaflets, click a subject heading below: 

• Commissioners and Regulatory/Inspection Bodies
• Care Inspectorate  
• SPSO advice on making a complaint

The complaints procedure
Contact the commission or regulatory/inspection body who you wish to complain about and ask them for a copy of their complaints procedure.  This document is usually found online or in the office of the organisation being complained about.

Independent advice and support
If you would like to speak to someone for advice about what to do, or to help you make a complaint, you can contact your local citizens advice bureau.  The SPSO does not provide this service.  You can find your nearest bureau on the website www.cas.org.uk or under 'c' in your local phonebook.

Our service is independent, impartial and free.

Updated on 18 March 2013