Doc Martin handed Ombudsman role

Dr Jane Martin, the director of policy & engagement and deputy chief executive at the Local Better Regulation Office, has been appointed as a Local Government Ombudsman.

She succeeds Jerry White, who retired in September, as Vice-Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England. The other two Ombudsmen are Tony Redmond and Anne Seex.

Dr Martin’s selection broke new ground as she was the first Ombudsman candidate to have a pre-appointment hearing before the Communities and Local Government Select Committee to discuss her suitability for the role and her key priorities.

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said: “The Local Government Ombudsman has a vital role to play in ensuring that people get swift and fair redress if things go wrong in the delivery of their local services.

“Dr Martin’s knowledge and experience will be a significant addition to the Commission at a time when its jurisdiction is expanding to include schools and adult social care.”

In 2008/9, the LGO decided on more than 17,000 complaints. Where remedies and settlements resulted in a payment being made, the amount of compensation obtained or recommended came to more than £2.2m.