Pennie Varvarides 28 April 2014

MPs call for 'updated' public ombudsmen

MPs have demand the ‘outdated’ Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) be replaced with a ‘People’s Ombudsman’, in a report published today.

In Time for a People’s Ombudsman, the Commons Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) says the PHSO, which investigates complaints against the NHS and other government departments and agencies, is outdated. It calls for citizens to have direct and more user-friendly access to the ombudsman. It should also act on its own initiative and investigate problems within government departments, agencies and the NHS.

The committee says the PHSO is in danger of being ‘stuck in time’ and recommends changes to allow people to appeal directly to the ombudsman, rather than having to go via their MP, as at present.

‘We are publishing this report the day parliament gets back, because this report is really addressed to MPs,’ said Benard Jenkin MP, PASC chair. ‘We have to make these changes. PHSO is part of our service to our constituents, and it’s way behind the times.’

The committee insists that the PHSO must be able to receive complaints in a number of ways, not just through writing. For example, in person, by phone or online. This is an essential part of bringing the system up to date.

‘Our voters have a right to complain about public services when mistakes, misunderstandings and maladministration occur,’ Jenkin added. ‘We so often see that people complain not for their own benefit, but to ensure lessons are learned and the same mistakes are not inflicted on others. As we recently reported, the disaster at the Mid-Staffs hospital is a tragic example of what happens when the complaints system does not work.’

The committee is calling for a consultation to be held on the creation of a single public services ombudsman for England, while at the same time there must be a distinctive ombudsman service for UK non-devolved matters.

‘We are delighted that the Public Administration Select Committee recognise that there needs to be fundamental changes in the law to create a simpler more straightforward ombudsman service,’ added Julie Mellor of PHSO. ‘We strongly welcome their report.’

‘We have changed our approach to complaints so we could help more people by investigating more complaints, following feedback from our staff, parliament, organisations and customers. In 2013/14 we completed 2,199 investigations, compared to 384 in 2012/13.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Planning and Admin Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£26,409 - £30,060 per annum)
We are currently looking for a Planning and Admin Officer Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Specialist Employment Adviser

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP 26-31 (£36,124 - £40,476 per annum)
You will provide professional and intensive support to jobseekers accessing the Connect to Work programme. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Library Manager

Oxfordshire County Council
£28163 - £30060
The Assistant Library Manager is responsible for ensuring the flagship Oxford Westgate Library in the centre of Oxford operates to the highest standard of customer services, assisting the Deputy Library Manager and managing a team of Customer Service Advi Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Facilities Assistant

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About the Role The Facilities Assistant will provide a full range of property and premises support duties. They will be responsible for H&S checks, reporting building faults and maintaining the running of the site on a daily basis. They will provide face Abbey Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon, with travel
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Team Manager & Senior Lawyer - Commercial & Contracts

Warwickshire County Council
£55,997- £63,189 per annum
Warwickshire Legal Services is growing. Warwick, Warwickshire
Recuriter: Warwickshire County Council
Linkedin Banner