Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) was overseeing work being carried out at her father’s house by contractors employed by East Lothian Council (the Council). Her purse was stolen whilst the work was being carried out. Mrs C complained that the Council did not take adequate steps to ensure that their contractors’ employees were suitable to be allowed access to the homes of vulnerable people.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Council failed to ensure that their contractors, who had access to the homes of vulnerable people, including Mrs C's father, had sufficient procedures in place to ensure that their employees were suitable to do so (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) works with its Adult Protection Committee to establish good practice guidelines for Council and contractor employees working in the homes of vulnerable people; and
- (ii) considers including in its revised Corporate Procurement Procedures manual, guidance on the protection of vulnerable people when work is being carried out on their homes.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.