Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of a social worker. Social Work England are better placed to deal with the matter.

The complaint

1. X complains about comments made on social media by a social worker.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. I will not investigate X’s complaint. Consenrs about the professional conduct of social workers are better considered by Social Work England, the regulator responsible for social workers in England.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate X’s complaint because Social Work England are better placed to deal with the matter.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman