Select committee chair seeks clarification over delay in appointment of permanent ombudsman

The Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) has written to Sir Alex Allan, the lead Non-Executive Board member of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), to raise the issue of the delay in the appointment of a permanent Ombudsman.

PACAC Chair, William Wragg MP, said that there was uncertainty as to how the organisation would operate in the absence of an Ombudsman in place on 1 April, to succeed Rob Behrens in the role when his term of office ends on 31 March. 

The letter, sent yesterday (12 March) states: "Given the role and statutory duties of the Ombudsman, it would be useful if you could clarify the specific issues raised by a delay in the appointment of a permanent Ombudsman, and any restrictions that might be faced by a temporary Ombudsman."

The letter outlines that the recruitment process has been underway since October 2023 and the final interviews for the new Ombudsman took place on 8 January, with the interview panel’s recommendation for the PHSO submitted to the Prime Minister thereafter.

However, the ensuing parliamentary procedure necessary to confirm the appointment of a new Ombudsman has not yet been carried out. 

William Wragg MP said: "I would be interested to know the likely impact on the organisation and staff, for example, your ability to take on new complaints and make decisions, and any issues arising for MPs (as the filter for complaints) or more widely for Parliament as the recipient of your reports and the organisation responsible for scrutinising your work."

Last week, the PACAC issued a “renewed call” for legislative reform to the PHSO's structure and operations.

The cross-party committee’s report, published on 4 March, expressed concern that the Ombudsman had failed to meet its targets for the proportion of cases subject to further investigation it would resolve within 13, 26 and 52 weeks.

A spokesperson for the PHSO said: “The process to appoint a new Ombudsman is ongoing. We are in discussions about interim arrangements should they be needed. Our important service for the public continues.”

Lottie Winson