Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the behaviour of a Social Worker. This is because there is a body better placed to consider this complaint.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about how a social worker behaved during assessments for her child.
2. She says the social worker:

• Revealed sensitive information in a public space
• Gave misleading and incorrect information
• Made inappropriate comments

3. She says this has caused anxiety and emotional distress.
4. Ms X would like the social worker to attend training and apologise.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

5. 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 there is another body better placed to consider this complaint.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

6. We consider whether there was fault in the way an organisation made its decision. If there was no fault in how the organisation made its decision, we cannot question the outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(3), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

7. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
8. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

9. The Council considered Ms X’s complaint and found no fault. Ms X disagrees with this decision.
10. Social Work England are the regulator for social workers in England, their role is to investigate concerns about social workers’ fitness to practise.
11. As Ms X’s complaint is about the practice of an individual social worker, Social Work England are better placed to investigate.

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Final decision

12. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is another body better placed to consider this complaint.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman