Source · Ombudsman decisions

SPSO Individual Decisions

7,970 total decisions 7,745 investigated 2,223 upheld 54% upheld of investigated Years: Jun 2011–Jun 2026

7,970 published decisions from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman investigates complaints about public services in Scotland — councils, the NHS, housing associations, and Scottish Government agencies. Source: spso.org.uk.

Organisation accountability

Top 20 by upheld rate (min 5 investigated). Benchmark 54%. Sparklines: 2017–2026.

Based on 7,745 investigated decisions (excludes 38 closed after initial enquiries).

# Organisation Trend Investigated Upheld Not upheld Upheld rate vs avg
1 Heriot-Watt University 9 6 0 100% +46pp
2 An NHS Board 9 5 0 100% +46pp
3 Lothian NHS Board - Acute Services Division 13 7 2 85% +31pp
4 City Of Glasgow College 6 2 1 83% +29pp
5 A Dental Practice in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board area 11 7 2 82% +28pp
6 Sanctuary (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd 5 3 1 80% +26pp
7 Lothian NHS Board - Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services Division 5 1 1 80% +26pp
8 A Medical Practice in the Western Isles NHS Board area 9 2 2 78% +24pp
9 Lothian NHS Board - University Hospitals Division 9 1 2 78% +24pp
10 A Council 42 15 10 76% +22pp
11 Clear Business Water 16 9 4 75% +21pp
12 River Clyde Homes 11 5 3 73% +19pp
13 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar 14 7 4 71% +17pp
14 Scottish Environment Protection Agency 10 2 3 70% +16pp
15 Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board 104 38 33 68% +14pp
16 Stirling Council 25 6 8 68% +14pp
17 Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service 22 11 7 68% +14pp
18 Grampian NHS Board 249 87 82 67% +13pp
19 Inverclyde Council 15 5 5 67% +13pp
20 Queen Margaret University 12 2 4 67% +13pp
All-organisation benchmark 54%