ABSTRACT
Of importance to social work is the Health Services Commissioner (HSC), or ‘ombudsman’. Formerly a role undertaken by the PCA, in 1993 this grievance body was separated from the work of the PCA and given its own office by an Act of Parliament (see the Health Services Commissioner Act 1993). Like the PCA, the HSC investigates into health service provision. Giving reports and making recommendations to the Department of Health. Furthermore, the local government ombudsman, who have existed since 1972 under the Local Government Act, seek to investigate complaints which concern local authorities’ services, including social services. In contrast, to the PCA and HSC, members of the public can complain direct to the local government ombudsmen. Moreover, the local government ombudsmen system operates on a regional basis and eight in all exist in the UK. They deal with issues of housing and education, and important local issues.
