There may be times at which people feel dissatisfied with a service they have received,
and wish to make a formal complaint. There are several bodies which have been set up to deal with complaints, and this section is designed to point people wishing to make a complaint in the right direction.

If you are making a complaint it is worth considering the following advice:

• make the complaint as soon as possible after the event (some organisations have time limits for complaints). You will be able to remember things more clearly. Most problems are best sorted out by the staff who are working with you. Contact the person in charge or the complaints officer (who can speak to that person on your behalf). You may do this face-to-face, by telephone, in writing or by email. They will do their best to sort things out quickly.
• keep a careful note of all the actions you have taken including names, date, time, copies of letters and the replies you receive.
• if you are not sure what to do, ask for help from the people to whom you are complaining or from one of the organisations listed in this section.
• if you feel that you may have legal recourse, talk to your solicitor as soon as possible, you may be entitled to legal aid.
• should your complaint have a criminal aspect (eg. physical assault) then contact the police.
• Make informal contact with your Councillor, AM or MP