Giving feedback or making a complaint
You might want to let us know about a social worker or youth worker who’s really helped you. Maybe you’d like to share an idea on how to make something better. Or perhaps you want to make a complaint about something that didn’t work for you.
To tell us something about East Sussex County Council and the service you received from us:
Contact us
First, contact the person you have been dealing with or their manager. An adult or advocate can do this for you if you prefer. Be clear about what you want and if there is a problem how the team can help you.
Making a formal complaint
After you try speaking to us, if things still aren’t right contact the Children’s Services Customer Relations team. Explain what went wrong and how we can fix it. Be clear about what you want and how we can help you.
If you’re not happy with the response, let your complaints officer know. They’ll tell you what you can do next for social care complaints, or confirm you’ve reached the end of the complaints process.
If you’re still not satisfied, you can contact the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
Support to make your complaint about the council
Speak Out! helps children and young people in East Sussex who have a Social Worker. They meet with children and young people to find out what they want professionals and other adults to know. They can help you get your views, wishes and feelings heard in meetings like:
- Child Protection Meetings
- Reviews for children who are looked after
- Family Group Conferences
They also help children and young people with worries or complaints they have about the (care) plans that are made for and about them.
They don’t work for Social Service and are an independent team.
Please call or text 0300 303 9649 to talk to someone in the Speak Out! Service. They are open from 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am–4pm on Saturdays.
You can find out more about Speak Out! and Independent Visitors (IVs) for children in care.
Making a complaint about a school
If you want to make a complaint about something or someone at your school, the best thing is to talk to a teacher you trust. If you’re not happy with the result, you can then make a complaint directly to the school.
Schools have a complaints policy. The policy explains how to make a complaint.
Find out more on ESCC – Complain about a school.