Apologising when things have gone wrong is an important part of handling complaints effectively. It is often the first step to repairing a damaged relationship and, while apologising cannot change what has happened, it can help to restore dignity and trust.
A meaningful apology can help both sides calm their emotions and move on to put things right. If communicated sincerely and effectively, it can undo the negative effects of previous service failings, in addition to allowing service providers to acknowledge a failing that may otherwise have continued to affect customers in the future.
Apology guide
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) has produced guidance outlining what you need to do to make a meaningful apology: SPSO Guidance on Apology
You may also be interested in an article by Dr Dorothy Armstrong, Nursing Advisor to SPSO, on the Power of Apology.
by Dr Dorothy Armstrong
‘We are all human – we can all make mistakes.’
This quote is taken from a man who complained to the Ombudsman following the death of his son. His motivation for complaining was to ensure that the public body being complained about would listen to him, that they would learn lessons from his complaint, and most importantly, that they would make a meaningful apology to him for what went wrong.
In my role as professional adviser to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), I hear first-hand from patients, relatives and carers about their negative experiences of healthcare.
The themes I see in these complaints are diverse. Sometimes technical aspects of care arise, such as wound care or planning for home (discharge), however, more often complaints are about the journey of care, not the destination, or end-point.
In the complaints I have seen, the most common emotion expressed is of vulnerability, helplessness and humiliation. I regularly see poor communication, behaviour and attitude as the most significant factors in the complaints we receive.
Individuals with complaints tell me that they have not been listened to and that they feel patronised and powerless. Commonly, the individual’s biggest regret is that the staff member involved in a mistake or wrong-doing simply wasn’t open, honest or apologetic. In many cases, an apology or the truth about what happened may have prevented a complaint being made or escalated to the Ombudsman.
A meaningful apology can show that you value the individual’s feedback or complaint. It is an important part of effective complaints handling and demonstrates a degree of respect and empathy to service users. While it cannot change what happened, if can sometimes help to heal the negative effectives of previous service failings.
From an early age in childhood, we are taught to say sorry for our mistakes, but, in our working lives as adults, many of us find saying sorry a real challenge. Used well, an apology can be both very powerful for the patient and empowering for staff. It can diffuse a situation and return focus to a situation.
Just Say Sorry – the 3 R’s
I use this technique at work and at home. It is particularly effective with my teenage children – take a deep breath and try it too, at work or at home.
Regret
It is important to recognise that something has gone wrong by acknowledging the wrong-doing, even if you are not at fault. Saying sorry, in a meaningful and sincere manner, is crucial. Often this first step is enough to de-escalate the situation.
Reason
Even if you feel criticised and hurt, it’s really important to provide a reason (if there is one) for the mistake, but to avoid being defensive. Make sure you are clear that the wrong doing was not intentional or personal, so keep to the facts. Try to put yourself in the complainant’s shoes and step back from the situation. Stay objective.
Remedy
Try to resolve the mistake there and then, if you can. Ask the complainant what they would like to happen and take responsibility to investigate, if required, and to provide feedback to them as soon as is practicable. Encourage colleagues to be proactive too.