Complaints and the lawIf you are unhappy with any of the services you receive from your local authority, your local health service or any support agency you are entitled to make a complaint or seek legal advice.
There are a number of independent complaints agencies for different organisations. We have listed a few of the most common ones here.
NHS Complaints Advocacy: http://nhscomplaintsadvocacy.org/
The NHS Complaints Advocacy Service is a free and independent service that can help you make a complaint about a National Health Service (NHS). You might decide that you need support to make a complaint. VoiceAbility advocates can work with you to ensure you understand your options and help you to achieve the outcome you are seeking.
ACAS: http://www.acas.org.uk/
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provide information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems. A free and confidential helpline is available on 08457 47 47 47.
PALS: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1082.aspx?CategoryID=68
The Patients Advise and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.
Complaining about your local authority:
Each local authority in England, Northern Ireland ,Scotland and Wales has a complaints procedure. Each must publicise its complaints procedure and provide you with information regarding the action you can take if you are unhappy about the assessment or the services to be provided at the time of the care assessment or when you are informed of any charge. For more information, please visit the Disability Rights UK Factsheet here.
Find a legal adviser: http://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/
Community Legal Advice is a free and confidential advice service in England and Wales paid for by legal aid.
Disability Law Service: http://www.dls.org.uk/
Disability Law Service (DLS) prides itself on providing a quality service in areas of public and social welfare law, and hopes to demystify the legal system by giving concise and timely legal advice and information. From one to one consultations to full representation in the courts, DLS can work with individuals at any level of the legal system.
