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About key organisations
Office of the Public Guardian
The Public Guardian
- provides information and advice on the options available for managing the finances of adults who lack capacity. The office is open from 9.00-5.00, Monday to Friday;
- provides guidance leaflets relating to provisions under the Act, available free of charge in Braille, audio cassette, in large print and several languages;
- registers all appointments of attorneys, people who can access funds, guardianship and intervention orders;
- has a supervisory and investigative role in relation to those authorised to manage finances ( see address below).
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland ( MWC)
The Mental Welfare Commission is an independent organisation working to safeguard the rights and welfare of everyone with a learning disability, dementia or other mental disorder. In relation to guardianship they:
- offer advice and information to carers, relatives and guardians and those on guardianship orders; provide guidance leaflets and reports free of charge ( see freephone number below);
- write to everyone on a welfare guardianship order to offer advice and a visit. In some cases, where matters have not been straightforward, the MWC may arrange a visit;
- carry out investigations if requested to do so by the local authority or by others with concerns;
- see all welfare guardianship and intervention order applications and can send comments to the sheriff.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board ( SLAB)
Legal aid allows people who would not otherwise be able to afford it, to get help with their legal problems. SLAB is responsible for managing legal aid in Scotland. Advice and information is provided to the public and professionals. Free legal aid is available for all welfare guardianship applications. SLAB provides an on-line search for legal aid solicitors ( see contact details below).
Care Commission
The Care Commission is an independent body which regulates care services in Scotland. It inspects services and investigates complaints in relation to: care homes; short break/respite care services; housing support; adult placement schemes, support services, care at home, nursing agencies and hospice care. All complaints are taken seriously and dealt with on an individual basis. There are National Care Standards for all these services. Copies of the Standards are available on line at: www.nationalcarestandards.com
or from Blackwell's Bookshop, 53-59 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS. Tel. 0131 622 8283. A copy of the Complaints Procedure - Easy Guide, has been written in such a way that everyone can use, and will help people with learning disabilities ( see Care Commission's address below).
Law Society for Scotland
The Law Society is the governing body for solicitors. It provides information to the public on where to find, and what to expect from, solicitors. The Law Society's Client Relations Officer has legal responsibility to handle complaints against Scottish solicitors. To discuss a complaint, or if you need more information, contact the Client Relations Helpline 0845 113 0018 ( see address below).
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