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Advocacy and complaints: councils, LGSCO, and keeping escalation sane
If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local authority must arrange an independent advocate (Care Act sections 67–68). Difficulty can arise from communication needs, learning disability, mental health condition, or trauma. Ask in writing for Care Act advocacy; keep the response.
At a glance
If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local authority must arrange an independent advocate (Care Act sections 67–68). Difficulty can arise from communication needs, learning disability, mental health condition, or trauma. Ask in writing for Care Act advocacy; keep the response.
- Name the barrier or task that is difficult
- Explain what happens without support
- Decide your next action and put it in…
- Gather evidence that matches what you write
- Follow up if you are refused, delayed, or…
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- 1Name the barrier or task that is difficult
- 2Explain what happens without support
- 3Decide your next action and put it in writing
Quick answer
If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local authority must arrange an independent advocate (Care Act sections 67–68).…
Use this guide if…
- People dealing with complaints.
- People dealing with lgsco.
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If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local authority must arrange an independent advocate (Care Act sections 67–68). Difficulty can arise from communication needs, learning disability, mental health condition, or trauma. Ask in writing for Care Act advocacy; keep the response.
What to do next
- Read the At a glance section
- Start with step 1
Step-by-step
Name the barrier or task that is difficult. Start here so the rest of the guide has a clear foundation.
If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local authority must arrange an independent advocate (Care Act sections 67–68).…
What this means
- Registered care provider: use their complaints procedure; escalate to CQC intelligence if serious risk.
- Watch out: Registered care provider
- Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.
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Evidence checklist
Keep or gather these before you contact an organisation or submit a form.
Common mistakes
- Registered care provider: use their complaints procedure; escalate to CQC intelligence if serious risk.
- Council-commissioned care: you can complain to the council about commissioning failures even if the agency also has a duty.
If they refuse, delay, or ignore you
- Keep notes and ask for decisions in writing.
- Use the related detailed guide when you are ready for the next step.
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At a glance
- If you would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care processes and there is no appropriate individual to help, the local…
- Registered care provider: use their complaints procedure; escalate to CQC intelligence if serious risk.
- Council-commissioned care: you can complain to the council about commissioning failures even if the agency also has a duty.
- Evidence that helps: Registered care provider
- Avoid: Registered care provider
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- Use the step checklistsDownload not available yet — use the copyable wording in this guide.