Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a panel hearing considering the permanent exclusion of a child from a school. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. Mr X is complaining on behalf of the school, which is public body.

The complaint

1. Mr X said an independent review panel decision about a school exclusion is prejudice against the school and is based on factually inaccurate or not proven information.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he is acting on behalf of a school, which is not a public body.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman