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An insight to reducing complaints Paul McFadden, Chief Ombudsman, said ‘there needs to be a clear sense that providers learn from and respond to mistakes. Our part in this is providing the learning and insight from the thousands of complaints we investigate and resolve to support the sector in understanding the areas where customer service needs to improve and where service providers can do more to resolve complaints themselves.’
main complaint drivers and how to make improvements to avoid complaints in each area of law. Included throughout are case studies which bring the issues to life and remind us all that at the end of every complaint is an unhappy customer. Customers rely on the profession to help them navigate complex legal processes, quite often at very stressful times in their lives. According to the LeO, during 2020/21 there was evidence of poor service in 55% of complaints.
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has said it is fully committed to making improvements to their service for their customers; both service providers and consumers, and they want to support service providers to do the same. In their recently published overview of annual complaints report, it highlights the
The data in the report suggests that there are improvements to be made and shows that the basics remain key. Simple customer service failings are driving the bulk of the Ombudsman’s work. LeO says poor communication is a common thread. A complaint about delay is quite often the result of poor communication and updating. A complaint about costs is often attributable to the service provider not keeping their customers informed as things progress. Improving communication with customers could therefore have a big impact on the number of complaints firms receive.
The LeO has a suite of information available to support service providers available on their website under ‘information centre - learning resources’. They have also recently introduced an advice desk which provides service providers with direct access to an ombudsman. Talking to an Ombudsman may help to resolve issues early on. To access this simply email: technical.advice@legalombudsman.org.uk. Lots of other useful resources can be found on their website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk Paul McFadden, Chief Ombudsman
Registered charity number: Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund 1160182
Remember a loved one with a special gift. Leaving a gift in memory of a friend or a loved one is a wonderful way to remember them. Your gift will help ensure Naval children can get the help and support they need. The Naval Children’s Charity support children whose parent serve or have served in the Royal Navy. We help children with a wide range of needs, especially at times of family crisis. Many of our children and young people are impacted by the service of their parent in the Royal Navy and we provide that helping hand to ensure that their wellbeing, health, security, education and life chances are supported. Asking friends or family to make a donation to the Naval Children’s Charity instead of flowers can be a fitting way to celebrate your loved one’s life. Thank you. Naval Childrens Charity, 311 Twyford Avenue, Stamshaw, Portsmouth, PO2 8RN
www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk
023 9263 9534
caseworkers@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk
spg.uk.com
