Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a safeguarding investigation involving Mr X. This is because the Council investigated Mr X’s complaint and further investigation by us would not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr X was unhappy with how the Council’s actions in relation to a safeguarding investigation, involving him. Mr X said this also included the information the Council provided to him both during, and at the conclusion of the investigation. Mr X said this left him feeling under suspicion, which was unnecessary and prolonged.
2. Mr X now wants an apology and for the Council to be held accountable.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X and I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X told us after an incident at a care home in July 2022, the Council considered the matter as a safeguarding concern. Mr X raised his concerns the investigation was poor. Mr X said because of delays and poor communication, he was not permitted to visit a friend for several months.
6. The Council investigated Mr X’s complaint and said it had spoken with a manager at the care home to improve how it gathers information after an incident. Furthermore, it said that while it verbally told Mr X, there was no concerns remaining, it should have provided this update in writing to clarify this. It also apologised to Mr X.
7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because it is likely that if we were to investigate, we would not come to a different conclusion than that of the Council. It has taken action with the care home to ensure necessary service improvements were put in place. Additionally, it has provided Mr X with the outcome of the safeguarding investigation in writing and has apologised. These are appropriate actions that remedy any injustice there was to Mr X.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman