Empowering Parents and Carers: Join Our Free Online Session on Complaints in Health and Education
- christina1619
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Navigating health and education services for your child or young person can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when things don’t go as expected. Knowing how to raise concerns or complaints effectively can make a big difference in getting the support your family needs. The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) is offering a free online session designed specifically for parents and carers. This session will explain how complaints about health and education services are handled, helping you understand the process and your options.
Why This Session Matters to You
If you have ever felt unsure about how to challenge decisions made by health or education providers, this session is for you. Many parents and carers hesitate to raise complaints because they don’t know where to start or worry about the consequences. This event will clarify:
How to raise a complaint clearly and effectively
What happens after you submit a complaint
What NIPSO can do to help and what it cannot
How decisions about complaints are made
Understanding these points will give you confidence to advocate for your child or family member and navigate services with more ease.
Who Should Attend
This session is aimed at parents and carers who support children or young people using health or education services. Whether your child has a special educational need, a health condition, or you simply want to know your rights, this session will provide practical guidance tailored to your needs.
What You Will Learn
How to Raise a Complaint
Raising a complaint can feel intimidating. The session will cover:
The best way to describe your concern clearly
Who to contact first within the service provider
How to keep records and evidence to support your complaint
For example, if your child’s school has not provided agreed support, you will learn how to document this and whom to approach first.
What Happens After You Submit a Complaint
Many people don’t know what to expect after making a complaint. The session will explain:
The typical timeline for complaint handling
How services investigate complaints
What kind of responses you can expect
Knowing this helps reduce anxiety and prepares you for the process ahead.
What NIPSO Can and Cannot Do
NIPSO plays a key role in reviewing complaints about public services in Northern Ireland. The session will clarify:
The types of complaints NIPSO can investigate
When NIPSO can step in if a service has not resolved your complaint
Limits to NIPSO’s powers, so you understand when other routes may be needed
This helps set realistic expectations and guides you to the right support.
How Decisions Are Made
Understanding how decisions on complaints are reached can help you accept outcomes or decide on next steps. The session will cover:
The criteria used to assess complaints
How evidence and service responses are weighed
What happens if a complaint is upheld or not upheld
This transparency helps build trust in the process.
Details of the Online Session
Date: 9th June 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Platform: Microsoft Teams (accessible from home)
Join Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/367704629823206?p=SnpRXHz6AlOcTkOXF1
Meeting ID: 367 704 629 823 206
Passcode: QK29t4P7
You can also dial in by phone:
+44 20 7660 8306,,816810398# (United Kingdom, City of London)
Phone conference ID: 816 810 398#
How to Prepare for the Session
To get the most from this session:
Have any questions or concerns ready to ask
Think about any recent experiences with health or education services
Ensure your device is set up for Microsoft Teams (you can join via browser or app)
Find a quiet space where you can listen and participate comfortably
Real-Life Example
Consider a parent whose child has a health condition requiring regular therapy. The parent notices delays in appointments and unclear communication from the health service. Unsure how to raise this concern, the parent attends the session and learns how to submit a formal complaint, what to expect during the investigation, and how NIPSO can help if the service does not resolve the issue. This knowledge empowers the parent to advocate confidently and secure better support for their child.
What Happens After the Session
After attending, you will have clearer knowledge of complaint procedures and feel more confident in raising concerns. You can also share what you learn with other parents or carers who might benefit. If you have a complaint to make, you will know the right steps to take and how to follow up effectively.
Taking part in this free online session is a practical step towards ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s needs are met. Don’t miss this chance to understand the complaints process and gain tools to support your family better.
Register now and join the session on 9th June 2026 at 8 pm. Your questions and experiences matter.
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