What Is An Ombudsman?

An Ombudsman is someone to whom you can address a complaint about an organisation or body if you feel you have been dealt with unfairly or have suffered some financial or other loss you would like investigating.

There are a number of Ombudsman Schemes in the United Kingdom. Some Ombudsmen are Government appointed, for example, The Local Government Ombudsman and The Financial Services Ombudsman, whereas others are industry appointed, such as the Telecommunications Ombudsman and the Surveyor Ombudsman. The Double Glazing Ombudsman is a similar non-statutory scheme.

The Ombudsman can save industry and consumers money. In addition to freeing up the court system, there are also opportunities to explore the potential for mediation and conciliation and come to a negotiated settlement which provides both parties with a means for proposed compromise. If this process proves fruitless, The Ombudsman can investigate further and, if necessary, provide a determination and award by arbitration.

The Ombudsman's decisions are legally binding on both parties and enforceable in the same manner as a judgement of the court.