the complaints procedure, or alternative routes of remedy and redress where appropriate. 3.5 Their role also includes a duty to: ● keep a written or electronic record of complaints made, the procedure followed and the outcome; ● arrange for the investigation; ● appoint an independent person; ● monitor the progress of the complaint; ● keep the child making the complaint and key people informed at all stages; ● ensure timescales are adhered to; and ● make observations and suggestions to the local authority on any action to take following an investigation. THE CHILDREN ACT COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 3.6 Section 26(3) of the Children Act 1989 requires every local authority to establish a procedure for considering any representations (including complaints) made by: ● any child who is being looked after by them or who is not looked after by them but is in need; ● a parent of such a child; ● other persons with parental responsibility for the child; ● any local authority foster parent; or ● such other person as the local authority consider has a sufficient interest in the child’s welfare to warrant his representations being considered by them, about the discharge by the authority of any of their functions under Part 3 of the Children Act in relation to the child. Local authorities in considering any representations under section 26 are required to comply with regulations made to regulate the procedure to be followed. Section 24D of the Children Act 1989 requires local authorities to establish a procedure for considering representations (including complaints) made to them by: ● A relevant child for the purposes of section 23A or a young person falling within section 23C; ● A person qualifying for advice and assistance; or ● A person falling within section 24B(2), about the discharge o