We provide a wide range of services to the people who live, work in and visit North Hertfordshire. Your feedback gives us an opportunity to understand how we can improve as well as recognise where services are valued.
We have a robust Comments, Compliments and Complaints policy (attached below) and ensure that all staff are familiar with this and are trained to deal with complaints effectively.
Comments
A comment is feedback or a suggestion often relating to an aspect of the services we provide. Comments are usually general in nature and not relating to a specific/individual matter. For example, "I would find it helpful if I could book an appointment". Unless specifically requested, we will not usually reply to a comment but will keep a record of them. However, if a reply or further action is required then this will be actioned within 10 working days.
Compliments
A compliment is positive recognition or praise for a specific service or individual which is above and beyond a courteous thank you. For example "I would like to praise the member of staff who resolved my problem, they were professional, diligent and kept me informed on progress until they could fully respond to my enquiry. Please could you pass this onto their manager".
Complaints
We are committed to 'putting customers first'. However, we accept that occasionally you may be dissatisfied if you feel that we have got things wrong. A complaint could be defined as an issue falling into one of these key areas:
1. If we have failed to do something we should have done
2. If we have performed a service badly or in the wrong way
3. If we have treated you badly or unfairly
This is a summary of the complaints process:
- You make a formal stage one complaint
- Complaint logged on corporate CRM system and assigned to service area
- Investigation carried out; full response sent to you within ten working days, or you will be informed if we need more time
- If you are satisfied with the outcome, the complaint will be closed
- If you are not satisfied, you may request to escalate to a stage two complaint within twenty-eight calendar days
- Customer Service Management team will review if the stage two criteria is met and advise you accordingly
- If the criteria are not met, you may escalate to the Local Government Ombudsman and the complaint will be closed
- If the criteria are met, the complaint is escalated to Service Manager/Director to investigate again
- Investigation carried out; full response sent to you within twenty working days, or you will be informed if we need more time
- If you are satisfied with the outcome, the complaint will be closed
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the stage two, you may escalate your complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.
If you wish to complain about a Data Protection response then please contact FOI@north-herts.gov.uk.
To submit your comment, compliment or complaint in writing, please send it to:
Customer Service Centre
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
SG6 3JF
Local Government Ombudsman
The Local Government Ombudsman is a free service which looks at complaints about councils, investigating complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by Local Government and selected other bodies.
The Local Government Ombudsman
PO Box 4771
Coventry
CV4 0EH
Phone: 0300 061 0614
Report a fault or problem
Here are some examples of how to report specific faults or problems that may occur:
- Report a missed bin
- Gritting or street lighting enquiries (Hertfordshire County Council)
- Challenge a penalty charge notice
- Report any other problem or fault
For general assistance contact us here.