The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a social worker’s recommendations to a court. The matter complained of is not separable from court proceedings.
The complaint
Miss X said a social worker wrongly recommended contact for her abusive ex-partner in a court report. She wanted the report retracted and an acknowledgment of the incorrect facts sent to court.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the matter complained of is not separable from court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman