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Independence | Impartiality | Integrity

Office Notice 01/01/2021: Due to a delay in the recruitment process, the new Ombudsman is not currently in post. We remain open and able to accept enquiries and applications however there may be a delay in processing them. Staff will be able to provide further information but please submit any applications as soon as possible as the legal time limits for making an application still apply.

Please note that SCOAF staff are still working remotely. If you need to contact us, please phone and leave a voicemail, or send an email to our contact mailbox, and our Enquiries Team will contact you back within 2 working days.

Application for an Investigation of Undue Delay

What is undue delay? There is no legal definition of undue delay, but in general terms it means you think that the time taken to do something has been unwarranted or excessive.
When can I ask the Ombudsman to investigate undue delay? You can only request an investigation into undue delay where

  • You believe there has been undue delay in the handling of a Service complaint you have made; or,
  • You believe there has been undue delay in the handling of a Service matter; and,
  • the Service complaint or Service matter is still open

You should try and resolve the delay with the person that is handling your complaint/matter before making an application to the Ombudsman.

To complete the application form, you will need to open it in Adobe before filling it in. If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to save the form. 

Application for Undue Delay Investigation (271 KB)

Download resource entitled "20200206-Undue-Delay-Final-for-Website.pdf"

 

How to submit your form

  1. Double-check that you have completed all sections, signed and dated the form
  2. Save the form to your desktop or device
  3. Send your completed form by email to contact@scoaf.org.uk or post to SCOAF, PO Box 72252, London SW1P 9ZZ

If you have any difficulty completing the form, contact our Enquiries and Referrals Team on 0207 877 3450 for assistance.

Timeframes for processing your application

2 days Once we receive your application you will receive an acknowledgement within 2 working days.
10 days The initial assessment of your application will take up to 10 working days.
17 days Once your application has been allocated to an investigator, we aim to provide you with a final decision within 17 working days.

Please note: It is important that we can contact you once you have submitted an application.  If we can’t contact you we may be unable to process your application or there may be delays in starting an investigation.

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