When we receive a complaint, we check it to see whether the issue being complained about is within our area of responsibility under the 2015 Act.
The purpose of an investigation is to find out if there is enough evidence to support the complaint. If we find enough evidence to support the complaint, we call this a well-founded complaint. This view will be based on information gathered during the investigation.
Where a complaint is considered to be well-founded, it may be sufficient to provide clarification of the role or we may try to resolve the issues informally. Where this is not possible or appropriate, we will ask the court to make a decision about what should happen.
Where a complaint is considered to be not well-founded, the complainant can appeal this outcome to the circuit court within three months.
You can read more about how we manage complaints in our Complaints and Investigation Procedures.