Complaints Handling Procedure

Based in entirety on The ModelComplaints HandlingProcedure for Registered Social Landlords as published by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, April 2012.

Version 2: Updated 26/9/14

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Foreword

The Caledonia Group is committed to providing quality services that meet the individual needs of all who seek our assistance, support or advice. We set high standards and strive for excellence in all that we do. We also acknowledge the similarly high expectations of our tenants and other customers.

We know however, there can be occasions where we fall short of our standards or do not fully meet these expectations. This Complaints Handling Procedure is designed to help us resolve any customer dissatisfaction quickly and as close to the point of service delivery as possible. It is underpinned by our commitment to valuing and learning from complaints.

This procedure has been developed by The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, with significant input from those working in housing associations, to ensure a standardised approach to handling complaints across the sector. The aim is to keep service users at the heart of the process,with complaints handled quickly and effectivelythrough thorough, impartial and fair investigations.

Resolving complaints early makes complete business sense. It will help us preserve and enhance the relationship we share with our customers; save us time and resources; and ensure Caledonia enjoys a positive public perception. With this in mind, we will train and support our staff to ensure they can achieve early resolution wherever possible.

Complaints provide a first-hand account of service users’ views and experiences, and can highlight problems that may otherwise go undetected. Handled well, complaints can provide our customers with a form of redress where things go wrong. Above all, we will use complaints to improve customer satisfaction; and to try and prevent problems that led to a complaint from happening again. We know this approach will make us better at what we do and help us as we try to continuously improve our services.

Julie Cosgrove

Chief Executive

Caledonia Group

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CONTENTSPAGE

How to use this Model Complaints Handling Procedure2

What is a complaint?3

Handling anonymous complaints4

What if the customer doesn't want to complain?4

Who can make a complaint?4

Complaints involving more than one service or organisation5

Care complaints5

Significant performance failures6

The complaints handling process7

Stage one: frontline resolution8

What to do when you receive a complaint8

Timelines9

Extension to the timeline10

Closing the complaint at frontline resolution stage10

When to escalate to the investigation stage11

Stage two: investigation12

What to do when you receive a complaint for investigation12

Timelines13

Extension to the timeline13

Mediation14

Closing the complaint at the investigation stage14

Independent external review14

Information about the SPSO15

Factoring complaints15

Governance of the Complaints Handling Procedure16

Roles and responsibilities16

Complaints about senior staff or Board members17

Recording, reporting, learning and publicising18

Recording complaints18

Reporting of complaints19

Learning from complaints19

Publicising complaints performance information20

Maintaining confidentiality20

Managing unacceptable behaviour20

Supporting the customer21

Time limit for making complaints21

Appendix 1 – Complaints at frontline resolution22

Appendix 2 - What is not a complaint24

Appendix 3 - Timelines26

Appendix 4 - The complaints handling procedure flow chart30

How to use this Model Complaints Handling Procedure

This documentprovides CaledoniaGroup staff with the necessary information and guidance on how to handle and resolve external complaints effectively. Another document has been produced by the CaledoniaGroup that provides information for customers on the complaints procedure, and together, these two separate documents combine together to form the Caledonia Group Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP)

This procedure is an internal document and contains references and links to more details on the CHP such as how to record complaints, and the criteria for signing off and agreeing time extensions. Furthermore, this document sets out how complaints are processed, managed, and how decisions are reached in relation different types of complaints. The language used in this procedure reflects its status as an internal document with 'We' referring to CaledoniaGroup which is made up of Caledonia Housing Association as the parent entity, with Cordale Housing Association as its subsidiary.

For the avoidance of doubt, in Cordale’s Rules Caledonia Housing Association is described as the ‘partner’.

In addition, the use of the word ‘organisation’ in this procedure documents is also used to describe both Caledonia, and Cordale Housing Associations.

When using this document, please also refer to the 'SPSO Statement of Complaints Handling Principles' and best practice guidance on complaints handling from the Complaints Standards Authority (CSA) at the SPSO.

The CSA website is:

What is a complaint?

Caledonia Group defines a complaint as:

'An expression of dissatisfaction by one or more members of the public about our action or lack of action, or about the standard of service provided by or on behalf of Caledonia Group’.

A complaint may relate to:

  • Failure to provide a service
  • Inadequate standard of service
  • Dissatisfaction with apolicy implemented by Caledonia Group, including any policy specifically implemented by either Caledonia Housing Association or Cordale Housing Association
  • Disagreement with a decision where the customer cannot use another procedure (for example an appeal) to resolve the matter
  • Treatment by or attitude of a member of staff
  • Failure by Caledonia Group to follow the appropriate administrative process
  • Delays in responding to enquiries and requests.

This list does not cover everything. For example, complaints may also be about:

  • Unfairness, bias or prejudice in service delivery
  • Failure to follow procedures
  • Lack of provision, or the provision of misleading, unsuitable or incorrect advice or information
  • A repair that has not been carried out properly
  • Unacceptable behaviour by a member of staff, a committee member or a contractor.

Appendix 1 provides a range of examples of complaints we may receive, and how these may be handled.

A complaint is not:

  • A routine first-time request for a service
  • A request for compensation only
  • Issues that are in court or have already been heard by a court or a tribunal
  • An appeal against a decision where there is an established appeal route; these should be heard through the appropriate appeal process
  • An attempt to reopen a previously concluded complaint or to have a complaint reconsidered where we have already given our final decision.

You should not treat these issues as complaints, and should instead direct customers to use the appropriate procedures. Appendix 2 gives more examples of 'what is not a complaint' and how to direct customers appropriately. This includes an example of when an anti-social behaviour complaint may and may not be considered a complaint.

Handling anonymous complaints

We value all complaints. This means we treat all complaints including anonymous complaints seriously and will take action to consider them further, wherever this is appropriate. Generally, we will consider anonymous complaints if there is enough information in the complaint to enable us to make further enquiries. If, however, an anonymous complaint does not provide enough information to enable us to take further action, we may decide not to pursue it. Any decision not to pursue an anonymous complaint must be authorised by a senior manager. In all such cases, the complaint and any available information, together with the decision not to pursue, should be recorded and documented on our complaints system.

If an anonymous complaint makes serious allegations, we will refer it to a senior officer immediately. In most cases, this will be the Caledonia Housing Association Business Services Director who will investigate the matter, in discussion with the Chief Executive as necessary if the complaint relates to Caledonia Housing Association. Where the complaint relates specifically to Cordale Housing Association, the senior officer in the subsidiary will undertake the investigation.

Depending on the nature of the complaint however, it may be appropriate for a member of the Caledonia Housing Association Executive Management Teamto fulfil this task if the complaint relates to either the Caledonia Housing Association Business Services Director, or the Cordale Housing Association senior officer.

If we pursue an anonymous complaint further, we will record the issues as an anonymous complaint on the complaints system. This will help to ensure the completeness of the complaints data we record and allow us to take corrective action where appropriate.

What if the customer doesn't want to complain?

If a customer has expressed dissatisfaction in line with our definition of a complaint but does not want to complain, tell them that we do consider all expressions of dissatisfaction, and that customer complaints offer us the opportunity to improve services where things have gone wrong. Encourage the customer to submit their complaint and allow us to deal with it through the CHP. This will ensure that the customer is updated on the action taken and gets a response to their complaint.

If, however, the customer insists they do not wish to complain, record the issue as an anonymous complaint. This will ensure that the customer's details are not recorded on the complaints database, and that they receive no further contact about the matter. It will also help to ensure the completeness of the complaints data recorded and will still allow us to fully consider the matter and take corrective action where appropriate. Please refer to the example in Appendix 1 for further guidance.

Who can make a complaint?

Anyone who receives, requests or is affected by our services can make a complaint. This obviously includes our tenants. It also includes a member of the public who could have access to or be affected by our services, including our anti-social behaviour/ neighbour nuisance services. All these people are our customers.

Sometimes a customer may be unable or reluctant to make a complaint on their own. We will accept complaints brought by third parties as long as the customer has given their personal consent. These complaints are treated in the same way as any other, regardless of who has brought the complaint.

Complaints involving more than one service or organisation

If a complaint relates to the actions of two or more of our services, you must tell the customer who will take the lead in dealing with the complaint, and explain that they will get only one response covering all issues raised.

If a customer complains to us about the service of another agency or public service provider, but we have no involvement in the issue, you should advise the customer to contact that organisation directly.

If the complaint relates to one of our services and includes one or more of our contractors, we would normally deal with the complaint, however, depending on circumstances we may agree with the contractor who will take the lead. Where this happens we will work together to investigate all the matters simultaneously, in line with this CHP. You must also tell the customer who will take the lead in dealing with the complaint, and explain that they will receive only one response covering all issues raised.

However, if a complaint relates to a Group service and the service of another agency or public service provider (for example a local authority or a government department), and we have a direct interest in the issue, you must handle the complaint about our service through the CHP. If you need to make enquiries to an outside agency in relation to the complaint always take account of data protection legislation and our guidance on handling our customers' personal information. The Information Commissioner has detailed guidance on data sharing and has issued a data sharing code of practice.

Such complaints may include:

  • a complaint to us about rent arrears that is partly caused by problems with a claim for Housing Benefit to the Department for Work and Pensions
  • a complaint to us about anti-social behaviour that relates to our service and a local authority service.

Care complaints

Anyone receiving care services from us has the right to either complain direct to the Care Inspectorate or to us.

Customers may also receive care or support from other agencies under a contract with us. They may complain about these services either to us (just like complaints about any of our other services) or directly to the Care Inspectorate.

The Care Inspectorate's contact details can be found on their website:

Or: Write to Quadrant House, 11 Riverside Drive, Dundee DD1 4NY
telephone 0845 600 9527
fax 01382 207 289
complete an online complaints form at or
email

Significant performance failures

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has a duty to consider issues raised with them about 'significant performance failures'. A significant performance failure is defined by the SHR as something that a landlord does or fails to do that puts the interests of its tenants at risk, and which the landlord has not resolved. This is something that is a systemic problem that does, or could, affect all of a landlord’s tenants. A significant performance failure happens when:

  • a landlord is not delivering the outcomes and standards in the Scottish Social Housing Charter over a period of time;
  • a landlord fails to do something, or takes action that puts tenants’ interests at risks; or
  • a landlord is not achieving the regulatory standards on governance or financial management.

We identify and treat significant performance failures in the same way as complaints that might be considered serious, high risk or high profile, which may require particular action or raise critical issues that need the direct input of the Executive Management Team, including the Chief Executive.

If you are made aware of an issue that you believe may constitute a significant performance failure, this should be referred to the Business Services Director for investigation. The Scottish Housing Regulator has provided Guidance on Significant Performance Failureswhich should be referred to for further information.

The complaints handling process

Our CHP aims to provide a quick, simple and streamlined process for resolving complaints early and locally by capable, well-trained staff.

Our complaints process provides two opportunities to resolve complaints internally:

  1. Frontline resolution, and
  2. Investigation.

The following diagram summarises this approach.

For clarity, the term 'frontline resolution' refers to the first stage of the complaints process. It does not reflect any job description within theCaledonia Groupbut means seeking to resolve complaints at the initial point of contact where possible.

Stage one: frontline resolution

Frontline resolution aims to quickly resolve straightforward customer complaints that require little or no investigation. Any member of staff may deal with complaints at this stage.

The main principle is to seek early resolution, resolving complaints at the earliest opportunity and as close to the point of service delivery as possible. This may mean a face-to-face discussion with the customer, or asking an appropriate member of staff to deal directly with the complaint.

Appendix1gives examples of the types of complaint we may consider at this stage, with suggestions on how to resolve them.

In practice, frontline resolution means resolving the complaint at the first point of contact with the customer, either by the member of staff receiving the complaint or other identified staff.

In either case, you may settle the complaint by providing an on-the-spot apology where appropriate, or explaining why the issue occurred and, where possible, what will be done to stop this happening again. You may also explain that, as an organisation that values complaints, we may use the information given when we review service standards in the future.

A customer can make a complaint in writing, in person, by telephone, by email or online, or by having someone complain on their behalf. You should always consider frontline resolution, regardless of how you have received the customer's complaint.

For the avoidance of doubt, this principle applies to all staff, including those that are scheme based and more likely to receive complaints face to face from tenants (and their representatives) than through other means. It also applies where, office based staff are out with the office, for example in a tenants home, and they receive the complaint in a face to face situation.

What to do when you receive a complaint

1On receiving a complaint, you must first decide whether the issue can indeed be defined as a complaint. The customer may express dissatisfaction about more than one issue. This may mean you should treat one element as a complaint, while directing the customer to pursue another element through an alternative route (see Appendix 2).

2If you have received and identified a complaint,record the details on our complaints system.

3Next,decide whether or not the complaint is suitable for frontline resolution. Some complaints will need to be fully investigated before you can give the customer a suitable response. You must escalate these complaints immediately to the investigation stage.

4Where you think frontline resolution is appropriate, you must consider four key questions:

  • What exactly is the customer's complaint (or complaints)?
  • What does the customer want to achieve by complaining?
  • Can I achieve this, or explain why not?
  • If I can't resolve this, who can help with frontline resolution?

What exactly is the customer's complaint (or complaints)?
It is important to be clear about exactly what the customer is complaining of. You may need to ask the customer for more information and probe further to get a full picture.
What does the customer want to achieve by complaining?
At the outset, clarify the outcome the customer wants. Of course, the customer may not be clear about this, and you may need to probe further to find out what they expect, and whether they can be satisfied.
Can I achieve this, or explain why not?
If you can achieve the expected outcome by providing an on-the-spot apology, or explain why you can't achieve what the customer wants, you should do so. If you consider an apology is appropriate, you may wish to follow the SPSO's guidance on the subject:
SPSO guidance on apology
The customer may expect more than we can provide. If so, you must tell them as soon as possible. An example would be where the customer is so dissatisfied with a kitchen refurbishment that they demand a new kitchen, but we are only willing to repair any broken units.
You are likely to have to convey the decision face to face or on the telephone. If you do so face to face, by telephone or by email, you are not required to write to the customer as well, although you may choose to do so or the customer may ask you to. It is important, however, to keep a full and accurate record of the decision reached and passed to the customer.
If I can't resolve this, who can help with frontline resolution?
If you cannot deal with the complaint because, for example, you are unfamiliar with the issues or area of service involved, you should be able to pass details of the complaint immediately to someone who can attempt to resolve it.

Timelines

Frontline resolution should be completed within five working days, although in practice we would often expect to resolve the complaint much sooner.