Information leaflets

Below you can download information leaflets about making complaints and our role, remit and process, as well as fact sheets on particular types of complaints, and materials for complaint handling staff in public service organisations. 
 

 

We are always happy to give advice on individual complaints. Our range of fact sheets give advice about common topics of complaint that members of the public ask us about. The fact sheets outline what we can and cannot do in particular areas of complaint and provide details of other organisations that might be able to offer help or support.

We can give you any of our leaflets in other languages and formats (such as large print, audio, Braille, or a different file format for use with assistive technology) if you ask.

Please contact us to ask for a leaflet in another language or format.

  • SPSO Guidance on Apology (PDF)
    When we investigate a complaint and find a problem that has not been solved, we often recommend that the organisation offer an apology. This guidance note sets out what an apology is and what you need to do for an apology to be meaningful.
  • SPSO Redress Policy (PDF, 249KB)
    This leaflet sets out the SPSO approach to resolving a complaint or request through recommendations for redress.

For further information for complaint handling staff in public service organisations, guidance and training opportunities, please visit our webpages for organisations.

Updated: May 21, 2025