An 'ombudsman' (
English plural: ''ombudsmans'' or ''ombudsmen'') is an official, usually (but not always) appointed by the government or by parliament, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints reported by individual citizens. In some jurisdictions, the Ombudsman is referred to, at least officially, as the 'Parliamentary Commissioner' (e.g., the
West Australian state Ombudsman). The word ''ombudsman'' and its specific meaning, Swedish in origin, have since been adopted in to
English as well as other languages, and ombudsmen have been instituted by other governments and organizations such as the
European Union.
An ombudsman need not be appointed by government; they may work for a corporation, a newspaper, an
NGO, or even for the general public.
Origins and etymology
The origin of the word is found in
Old Swedish ''umbuðsmann'' (
accusative) and the word ''umbuds man'', meaning representative and is not gender specific. The first preserved use is in
Swedish. From 1552, it is also used in the other Scandinavian languages such as the
Icelandic "umboðsmaður", the
Norwegian "ombudsmann" and the
Danish "ombudsmand".
The modern use of the term began in
Sweden, with the
Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman instituted in
1809, to safeguard the rights of citizens by establishing a supervisory agency independent of the
executive branch.
A prototype of modern ombudsmen flourished in
China during the
Qin Dynasty (221 BC), and in
Korea during the
Joseon Dynasty. The
Romans also grappled with the problem, but it was the example of the second Muslim Caliph,
Umar (634-644) and the concept of
Qadi al-Qadat (developed in the Muslim world), which influenced the Swedish King,
Charles XII. In 1713, fresh from self-exile in
Turkey, Charles XII created the Office of Supreme Ombudsman, which soon became the
Chancellor of Justice. A parallel institution, the
Parliamentary Ombudsman, was later established by the
Riksdag, and it was this that the Scandinavian countries subsequently molded into its contemporary form.
Although the word is, historically, gender-neutral, some writers have replaced ''ombudsman'' in speech and writing with "ombuds officer", "ombudsperson", or just "ombuds", or, in cases where the person in question is a woman, "ombudswoman".
Ombudsman in politics
In most contexts, "ombudsman" refers to a state official appointed to provide a check on government activity in the interests of the citizen, and to oversee the investigation of complaints of improper government activity against the citizen. If the ombudsman finds a complaint to be substantiated, a report is published to that effect. Further redress depends on the laws of the country concerned, but normally involves financial compensation. Ombudsmen do not, however, tend to have the power to initiate legal proceedings or prosecution on the grounds of a complaint. This role is sometimes referred to as a 'tribunitian' role, and has been traditionally fuflilled by elected representatives (The term refers to the ancient Roman '
tribunes of the people' (''tribuni plebis''), whose role was in theory similar to that of a modern ombudsman).
In the UK, the office of the
Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration was created in 1967, covering the activities of central government departments. A separate (National) Health Service ombudsman was subsequently created, but this has to date always been the same person and the two offices are combined. The
Local Government Ombudsman (formally the Commission for Local Government Administration - there are three Commissioners) for England and Wales was created in 1973, and for Scotland in 1974; since then, a variety of other public and private sector-specific ombudsmen have been created. Critics claim that the Ombudsmen appear independent while actually being recruited from the ranks of officials and their function tends to entail little more than rubber stamping for official decisions. Use of the ombudsman schemes is becoming increasingly common, although citizens will often pursue grievances against government through their local
MP, or else through another MP or the courts.
In the US, there are ombudsmen at the federal level such as the Department of Homeland Security Citizenship & Immigration Services Ombudsman
[1], as well as some limited use of the system in some states.
In Canada the office of the ombudsman is present in all departments of the federal government,in many provincial and municipal governments as well as in
Crown Corporations such as
CBC.
In the
Republic of China, the role of the
Control Yuan is comparable to that of an ombudsman.
The major advantage of an ombudsman is that he or she examines complaints from the outside of the state institutions that are being complained about. However, the system relies heavily on the selection of an appropriate individual for the office, and on the cooperation of at least some members of the state itself. Perhaps for this reason, outside Scandinavia, the introduction of ombudsmen has tended to produce somewhat less impressive results than initially hoped.
Organizational ombudsman
Main articles: Organizational ombudsman
Many private companies, universities and government agencies also have an ombudsman (or an ombudsman department) which serve internal employees or other constituencies. These ombudsman roles are structured to function independently, by reporting to the board of directors, and do not serve any other role in the organization. Organizational ombudsmen are sometimes called "ombuds" or "ombuds officers" or "ombudsperson" or "ombud". They are beginning to appear around the world within organizations, sometimes as an alternative to anonymous hot lines, in countries where the latter are illegal or considered inappropriate.
Recently, since the 1960s, the profession has grown in the
United States, particularly in corporations, universities and government agencies. This current model, sometimes referred to as an
organizational ombudsman, works as a designated neutral party, one who is high ranking in an organization, but who is not considered management. Using an
alternative dispute resolution (ADR) sensibility, an organizational ombudsman can provide options to
whistleblowers or employees with
ethics concerns, provide
mediation for conflicts, track problem areas, and make recommendations for changes to policies or procedures in support of orderly systems change. One particularly important function is to pick up "new things" -- that is, issues new to the organization. This is particularly important if the "new thing" is "disruptive" in the sense of requiring the organization to review and possibly improve its policies, procedures and/or structures.
An organizational ombudsman who is holding to "standards of practice" in the US is neutral and visibly outside ordinary line and staff structures. An organizational ombudsman will practice informally (with no management decisionmaking power, and without accepting "notice" for the organization). An organizational ombudsman typically keeps no case records for an employer and keeps near absolute confidentiality. The only exception is where there appears to be an imminent risk of serious harm, and an ombudsman can see no responsible option other than breaking confidence -- but organizational ombuds programs report that they can almost always find "other responsible options", such as helping a visitor to make an anonymous report about whatever appears to be the problem.
News ombudsman
Newspaper and media ombudsman offices are especially valuable for promoting
journalistic integrity on behalf of readers, viewers and listeners. There is an international
Organization of News Ombudsmen. The position of the public editor is paradoxical, as they are generally employees of the newspaper. However as a valuable symbol of a high standard of
journalism ethics for a newspaper, the firing of a public editor over any criticisms they might have would contradict their purpose. The press in Sweden is self-regulated through the
Public Press Ombudsman (''Allmänhetens Pressombudsman'') and the
Swedish Press Council (''Pressens Opinionsnämnd'').
Legislative/Classical ombudsman
Sweden
★
The Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsmen (Riksdagens ombudsmän)
Governmental ombudsmen:
★
Swedish Ombudsman for Equal Opportunities, or ''Jämställdhetsombudsmannen'' (JämO). Monitors issues relating to gender equality and since 1st of March 2002, equal treatment of students at universities.
★
Swedish Ombudsman for Children, or ''Barnombudsmannen''. Observes matters affecting the rights and interests of children and young people.
★
Swedish Disability Ombudsman, or ''Handikappombudsmannen''. Monitors issues relating to the rights and interests of persons with disabilities.
★
Swedish Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation, or ''Ombudsmannen mot diskriminering på grund av sexuell läggning''
★
Swedish Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination, or ''Ombudsmannen mot etnisk diskriminering''
Further, the Director-General of the
Swedish Consumer Agency is also designated Consumer Ombudsman, and the
Chancellor of Justice is an ombudsman of sorts.
The word Ombudsman is the same in Swedish, or rather ''is'' Swedish.
Australia
The
Commonwealth Ombudsman in Australia was established in 1976. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about the actions and decisions of Australian Government departments and agencies, the services delivered by most private contractors for the Australian Government, and oversee complaint investigations conducted by the Australian Federal Police.
The Ombudsman can also investigate complaints about delays in processing Freedom of Information requests (FOI) and complaints about FOI charges. The Commonwealth Ombudsman is also the Defence Force Ombudsman, Immigration Ombudsman, Postal Industry Ombudsman, Taxation Ombudsman, Law Enforcement Ombudsman and through an arrangement with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, the ACT Ombudsman.
The current Commonwealth Ombudsman is Prof. John McMillan.
The various states in Australia have (variously described) state Ombudsman offices also, with similar jurisdiction as described above, except over state government authorities. There is much collaboration in an academic sense between Ombudsmen in Australia, given the highly similar nature of their roles (despite differing jurisdictions). The offices frequently work on joint projects, such as those addressing difficult client behaviour.
Bulgaria
The institution of the Ombudsman in Bulgaria was established by law in 1998 but the first Ombudsman was elected in April 2005. There is a national ombudsman (Граждански защитник) and regional ombudsmen (Граждански посредници).
Croatia
The
Croatian Ombudsman is known as ''
Pučki pravobranitelj'', and was established by the
Croatian Constitution in 1990. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament, and has the task of ensuring that all government departments and officials follow the law.
There are also special ombudsmen for gender equality and ombudsmen for children, since 2003.
Czech Republic
The
Czech Ombudsman is known as ''
Veřejný ochránce práv'' (Public Defender of Rights).
Cyprus
The
Cypriot Obudsman is known as ''
Commissioner for Administration'' , is an Independent Authority and was established οn
15 March 1991. Currently, the Ombudswoman (Commissioner for Administration) is
Eliana Nicolaou.
[2]
Denmark
★ The Parliamentary Ombudsman (''Folketingets Ombudsmand'') was established in
1955. He investigates complaints brought by an individual or
ex officio in all matters relating to public governance, including maladministration by central or local authorities, on a case-by-case basis and on a general scale. His main areas of expertise include
administrative law;
constitutional law; the rights of inmates in correction facilities; and
access to information. He is appointed by the Danish Parliament (
Folketing).
★ The Consumer Ombudsman (''Forbrugerombudsmanden'') was established in
1974. His role is to ensure that the consumer protection and marketing rules are complied with by private undertakings, and can thus ultimately institute legal proceedings before the Copenhagen Maritime and Commercial Court.
★ The highest representative of the Danish government in
Greenland is called the Royal Ombudsman (''Rigsombudsmanden'') since
1979.
Estonia
The
Estonian ombudsman is known as ''
Õiguskantsler'' (''
Chancellor of Justice''
[3]).
European Union
The
European Ombudsman was established by the
Maastricht treaty, the treaty establishing the
European Union. The current European Ombudsman, holding office since April 1,
2003, is
Nikiforos Diamandouros, former national ombudsman of
Greece. The European Union Ombudsman investigates claims by companies which reside or have their interests within the European Union against incidents of bad administration by bodies or institutions of the European Union.
France
In France, since 1973, there is an Government appointed Ombudsman, the "Médiateur de la République". Currently Jean-Paul Delevoye is holding the office, for a single term that will elapse in 2010.
Finland
In Finland the office of
Parliamentary Ombudsman,
[1] modelled after the Swedish Ombudsman, was established by the
Constitution of 1919. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament, and has the task of ensuring that all government departments and officials follow the law. The Parliamentary Ombudsman shares many duties with the
Chancellor of Justice. The Ombudsman has wide ranging oversight and investigative powers. She or he has access to all government facilities, documents and information systems and can order a police investigation if necessary. If the Ombudsman determines that a government official has not acted in accordance with the law she or he can advice on the proper application of the law, reprimand the official or in the extreme case order the criminal prosecution of the official. Partly because of the prosecutorial powers the Ombudsman enjoys considerable respect and her or his legal opinions are usually strictly followed. Her or his legal interpretations carry a lot of weight in the absence of a court precedent.
There are also special ombudsmen for gender equality, children's welfare, rights of ethnic minorities, data protection, and consumer protection, operating under the auspices of various ministries and other government agencies. Also, every health care provider in Finland is legally obliged to have a patients' rights ombudsman.
Greece
The Greek Ombudsman is called the Citizen's Advocate and is an Independent Authority. Currently, the Citizen's Advocate is Professor
Georgios Kaminis. The Advocate is assisted by five Assistant Advocates, who coordinate the activities of the Advocate's office in the five "theme circles" (areas) in which the office has authority: i)
civil rights, ii)
social protection, iii)
quality of life, iv)
state-citizen relationships and v)
children's rights.
Hong Kong
The Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong is an independent statutory authority, established in 1989 under the Ombudsman Ordinance, to redress grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administration.
Resources: Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
Iceland
The post of
umboðsmaður Alþingis was set up in
1987 under the terms of law number 13/1987, which deals with complaints against the government. His authority was expanded to local government levels in the
1997 law number 85/1997. The Ombudsman is appointed by
Alþingi.
India
The Governing Body of Insurance Council (GBIC) has been set-up under Redressal of Public Grievances Rules 1998, to look after the functioning of Insurance Ombudsman popularly known as ''Bima Lokpal'' established all over India.
The Reserve Bank of India revised
Banking Ombudsman Scheme with enlarged scope to include customer complaints on certain new areas, such as, credit card complaints, deficiencies in providing the promised services even by banks' sales agents, levying service charges without prior notice to the customer and non adherence to the fair practices code as adopted by individual banks. Applicable to all commercial banks, regional rural banks and scheduled primary cooperative banks having business in India, the revised scheme have came into effect on January 1, 2006.
Similarly Ombudsman for Securities also established.
The Government is contemplating establishing the Ombudsman for Indirect as well as direct Taxes of the Union.
The Insurance Regulation Development Authority has Ombudsman scheme to take care the interests of the Insurer.
Ireland
The Office of Ombudsman was set up under the terms of the
Ombudsman Act, 1980. The Ombudsman is appointed by the
President of Ireland upon the nomination of both
Houses of the Oireachtas, and is a
civil servant of the State. The Ombudsman deals with complaints against
Departments of State,
local authorities,
health boards and
An Post.
There are other ombudsmen established in the
Republic. The first Pensions Ombudsman, Paul Kenny, was appointed in 2003. Emily Logan became Ireland’s first Ombudsman for
Children in March 2004. The
Financial Services Ombudsman incorporated the older offices of the
Insurance Ombudsman and Ombudsman for
Credit Institutions in 2005. Also established in 2005 was the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, the first holder being Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, formerly an Insurance Ombudsman. An Act of 2005 created a three-person tribunal, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
Garda_Siochana#Garda_Ombudsman_Commission,to investigate complaints about the country's police force. All these offices are statutory and their holders are public servants. The creation of a (non-statutory) Press Ombudsman was announced in August 2007.
Israel
The State Comptroller of
Israel also serves, by law, as Ombudsman. She or he discharges this function by way of a special unit in the Office of the State Comptroller, known as the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman investigates complaints against bodies that are statutorily subject to
audit by the State Comptroller, including government ministries, local authorities, state enterprises and institutions and government companies, as well as their employees.
Italy
In Italy there isn't an ombudsman at national level whereas many units of sub-national government (
regions,
provinces and
communes) have their ombudsman, known as ''difensore civico'', elected by regional, provincial or communal council.
Macedonia
Since 1997 Macedonia has an
Ombudsman Institution named Naroden pravobranitel for protection of citizens rights. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament. Work of his competence the Ombudsman performs on the base and in the frame of the Constitution and the Law on the Ombudsman.
Netherlands, The
The idea of ombudsman was introduced in the Netherlands by VARA-presentator Tom Pauka, after a holiday in Sweden in 1969. A television program was started with the name ''De Ombudsman''. Today the
Constitution of the Netherlands determines that there is a National Ombudsman, a state institution.
New Zealand
The post of
Ombudsman was established in New Zealand in 1962, with the aegis of investigation of complaints against government departments. In 1975 the post was expanded, with a Chief Ombudsman and several (number unspecified) of other ombudsmen. New Zealand also has a
Banking Ombudsman; however, this a non-government industry group. The Ombudsman has a very high level of power in New Zealand, and it is either a very brave - or very foolish - government department who attempts to flout an Ombudsman's rulings.
Norway
★
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud in Norway ''(Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet)'' was established in
1978 as the Gender Equality Ombud ''(Likestillingsombudet)'', the first of its kind in the world. In
2006, the Ombud was reorganised to include discrimination in general. The Ombud's task is to enforce the Norwegian Gender Equality Act and the act relating to prohibition of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, skin colour, language, religious and ethical orientation (Discrimination Act). The Ombud shall also enforce the anti-discrimination regulations in the Working Environment Act. The mandate of the Ombud also include to actively promote equality for discriminated groups, and to develop new knowledge through documentation and monitoring.
★
The Parliamentary Ombudsman for Public Administration ''(Sivilombudsmannen)'' investigates complaints from citizens or may take up issues on own initiative complaints from citizens concerning injustice or maladministration from central government or local authorities.
★
Ombudsman for Children in Norway ''(Barneombudet)'' has statutory rights to protect children and their rights. Since 1981, the Ombudsman for Children in Norway has worked continuously to improve national and international legislation affecting children's welfare. Norway was the first country in the world to establish an ombudsman for children.
★
Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman ''(Forbrukerombudet)'' shall, in the interests of consumers, seek to prevent market abuses in conflict with the provisions stipulated in or pursuant to The Norwegian Marketing Control Act. The Consumer Ombudsman shall, acting on his own initiative or on the basis of communications from others, urge all businesspersons to conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the Marketing Control Act. The Consumer Ombudsman shall also ensure that the terms and conditions are not used in any way that may harm consumers and shall contribute to this end through negotiations with businesspersons or their organisations. The Consumer Ombudsman has received a lot of attention internationally since it has ruled that the
iTunes music store's contract terms violates Norwegian consumer and marketing law.
[2]
Philippines
The
Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines is empowered by the ''
1987 Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas'' to safeguard the government and government-related institutions and corporations from corruption and dispense justice in the case of such offenses.
Poland
The Polish Ombudsman is called the ''
Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich''.
Portugal
The
Portuguese Ombudsman is called the ''
Provedor de Justiça'' (Justice Provider), and its role is defined in article 23 of the
Constitution of Portugal:
''1. Citizens may submit complaints against actions or omissions by the public authorities to the Ombudsman, who shall assess them without the power to take decisions and shall send the competent bodies such recommendations as may be necessary in order to prevent or make good any injustices.''
''2. The Ombudsman’s work shall be independent of any acts of grace or legal remedies provided for in this Constitution or the law.''
''3. The Ombudsman’s office shall be an independent body and the
Assembly of the Republic shall appoint the Ombudsman for such time as the law may determine.''
''4. The bodies and agents of the Public Administration shall cooperate with the Ombudsman in the fulfilment of his mission.''
Besides the traditional roles, there are two
toll-free lines: one for children and one for
senior citizens.
External links
★
Provedor de Justiça (in
Portuguese)
★
File a complaint online
Romania
The Romanian Ombudsman is known as ''
Avocatul Poporului'', meaning People's Advocate.
Russia
Russian ombudsman position is called "human rights commissioner". This chair is currently held by
Vladimir Lukin.
South Africa
★
Public Protector
Spain
The Spanish laws translate "ombudsman" as ''defensor del pueblo'' ("People's defender"). The Spanish Defensor can start processes at the
Constitutional Court. There is a general
Defensor del Pueblo for issues with the Spanish administration, and regional ones for the
autonomous communities of Spain, for instance:
★
Defensor del Pueblo Español
★
Valedor do Pobo (
Galicia)
★
Ararteko (
Basque Country)
★
Justicia [4] (
Aragon)
★
Síndic de Greuges (
Catalonia)
★
Defensor del Pueblo Andaluz (
Andalusia)
★
Procurador del Común (
Castile-Leon)
Ukraine
Office of ombudsman in Ukraine was instituted in 1998. Since then it is held by
Nina Karpachova, which was reelected for the office 3 times. The last reelection date was February 8, 2007. Ukrainian's ombudsman official site: http://ombudsman.kiev.ua/
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom a post of Ombudsman is attached to the
Westminster Parliament with additional posts at the
Scottish Parliament, the
Welsh Assembly and other government institutions.
About UK Ombudsman Services
The primary UK Ombudsman is known as the
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, also known as the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (PCA), which looks into complaints "that government departments, their agencies and some other public bodies in the UK - and the
NHS in
England - have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service." The UK Ombudsman will usually investigate complaints where there has been evidence of "maladministration" having occurred which has resulted in an "unremedied injustice". Complaints to the Ombudsman are subject to a "time bar" - this means that the Ombudsman may determine a complaint to be out of jurisdiction if too much time has passed between the event or course of events being complained about and the complaint being received by the Ombudsman.
''List of all Ombudsman Services in the United Kingdom''
★ Energywatch
★ Estate Agents Ombudsman
★ Financial Ombudsman Service
★ Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme for the Isle of Man
★ Health Service Ombudsman - England
(Ombudsman)
★ Housing Ombudsman Service
(HOS)
★ Independent Police Complaints Commission
★ Legal Services Ombudsman
★ Local Government Ombudsman - England
★ Northern Ireland Ombudsman
★ Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman
★ Parliamentary Ombudsman
(Ombudsman)
★ Pensions Ombudsman [http://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk (Pensions Ombudsman)
★ Prisons and Probition Ombudsman
★ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
★ Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme
★ Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman
★ Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
★ Telecommunications Ombudsman (OTELO)
''Shortcomings''
The impartiality of some UK Ombudsman services has been questioned. In particular the
Local Government Ombudsman - all three current Local Ombudsmen previously served as Chief Executives in Local Government and the Local Government Association played a part in their appointment - have been accused of bias and of merely acting as a rubber stamp.
[5]
United States
Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, The Office of the CIS Ombudsman (CISOMB) is not a part of USCIS, it is an independent DHS office that reports directly to the DHS Deputy Secretary.
The DHS CIS Ombudsman:
(1) Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS;
(2) Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and
(3) Proposes changes to mitigate identified problems.
By June 30 of each calendar year the Ombudsman submits an annual report to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary without any prior comment or amendment from any administrative agency official including: the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, or Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Ombudsman’s annual reports focus on identifying systemic issues that cause delay in granting immigration benefits as well as pervasive and serious problems faced by individuals and employers in their interactions with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
United States Navy
The
US Navy implemented an ombudsman program in
1970, under the direction of
Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. Through the Navy Ombudsman Program, communication between the spouses of active duty personnel and the command is kept open, thereby improving the quality of life for everyone involved. The Navy command ombudsman is a volunteer position, with no special favors bestowed upon them.
The purpose of this program is to ensure the dependents of active duty personnel have a channel of resources for their needs and quality of life. A command ombudsman can guide you to the help you may need, before, during or after a deployment. The Navy Ombudsman undergoes almost constant training, and is bound by confidentiality in most cases, the exception being any hint of child abuse. An ombudsman meets with department heads aboard a naval installation to find out the latest news, and pass it on, including news on ship deployments, cutting down on potentially harmful gossip.
Los Angeles, CA
The
Los Angeles County Department of Ombudsman was created via the approval of an ordinance in 1993 by the
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. This department was the first of its kind in the state of California and the first nationally involved in law enforcement oversight.
[3]
New York City
The
New York Public Advocate has an Ombudsman team that investigates and responds to telephone and written complaints/queries regarding city agency services, providing information and referrals.
Rhode Island
The
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management employs an ombudsman "charged with authority to undertake independent, and in certain cases confidential, fact-finding in response to external or internal complaints or questions about the Department's performance." The office is currently held by Thomas Getz.
[4]
Fictional ombudsmen
In the
science fiction television series,
Babylon 5, the arbiters aboard space station ''Babylon 5'' who preside over cases stemming from public complaints are referred to as ''ombuds'' (this is both the singular and plural designation), the gender-neutral title for an ombudsman. Just as with their modern European counterparts, the ombuds only preside over public cases, including robbery, assault, and murder, and do not interpret law as a regular judiciary does.
See also
★
Administrative incompetence
★
Conflict resolution research
References
1. Finnish Parliamentary Ombudsman
2. iTunes violates Norwegian law
3. Los Angeles Department of Ombudsman
4. RI DEM/Office of the Ombudsman Home Page
External links
★
JPGMOnline.com - 'The role of the ombudsman in biomedical journals', ''
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine'', Vol 48, No 4, pp 292-296, 2002
★
OmbudsmanWatch.org - 'Local Government Ombudsman Watch' (United Kingdom)
★
POGO.org - 'EPA Ombudsman Resigns: Accountability in Handling of Superfund Sites Threatened',
Project on Government Oversight (April 22, 2002)
★
Transparency.org - 'What is an Ombudsman'
★
DCAF Backgrounder - 'Military Ombudsman, (May 2005)'
★
Ombuds Blog - 'News and Information For and About Organizational Ombuds'
★
Ombudsman Institutions and Minority Issues, Study by the European Centre for Minority Issues
Classical/Legislative ombudsmen
Australian government ombudsmen
★
Ombudsman.gov.au - 'Commonwealth Ombudsman Australia: Assisting the Australian community by resolving complaints and fostering good government administration'
★
Omb-HCSCC.nt.gov.au - 'Ombudsman for the Northern Territory'
★
ombudsman.vic.gov.au - Ombudsman Victoria
★
OmbO.nsw.gov.au - New South Wales Ombudsman
★
Ombudsman.sa.gov.au - The Ombudsman South Australia Office: '[to provide] free, impartial, informal and timely resolution of complaints to promote fairness, openness and good public administration in South Australia'
★
ombudsman/home.html - Tasmanian Ombudsman: investigates complaints regarding public authority administrative action and contravention of state privacy legislation, conducts Freedom of Information reviews in respect of government agencies and can accept public interest disclosures (ie. whistleblowing complaints)and other miscellaneous functions (eg. auditing of police telephone interception warrants).
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is a free and independent alternative dispute resolution scheme for small business and residential consumers in Australia who have a complaint about their telephone or Internet service.
Established in 1993 by the Australian Federal Government, the TIO is independent of industry, the government and consumer organisations.
The TIO is authorised to investigate complaints about the provision or supply of telephone or Internet services.
(information was supplied by the official website of the TIO)
Canadian government ombudsmen
★
GNB.ca - 'The New Brunswick Ombudsman's Office': one central mission: to ensure that all New Brunswick citizens are treated with administrative fairness by government and its agencies.
★
HOA.gov.nl.ca - 'Newfoundland and Labrador Citizens' Representative'
★
Gov.ns.ca - 'Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman: If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a provincial or municipal government body, or you have a complaint about a Nova Scotia government service...'
★
Ombudsman.bc.ca - 'Ombudsman British Columbia: Promoting Fairness for British Columbians'
★
Ombudsman.mb.ca - 'Ombudsman Manitoba'
★
Ombudsman.on.ca - 'Ombudsman Ontario - Ontario's Watchdog. Mission: to support the need for accontability, transparency and oversight in the provision of government services'
★
ProtecteurduCitoyen.qc.ca - 'Le Protecteur du Citoyen' / 'The Québec's Ombudsman' (English language link)
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Ombudsman.yk.ca - 'Office of the Yukon Ombudsman and Information & Privacy Commissioner'
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LegAssembly.sk.ca - 'Ombudsman Saskatchewan'
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Ombudsman.ab.ca - 'Alberta Ombudsman'
★
[6] - 'Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces'
Chilean ombudsman
★
ombudsman.cl - 'Capitulo Chileno Ombudsman' (in Spanish)
Czech government ombudsman
★
Ochrance.cz - 'The Office of the Ombudsman in the
Czech Republic'
European Parliament ombudsman
★
Ombudsman.europa.eu - 'The
European Ombudsman Homepage
★
EuroParl.org.uk - Constitution of the
European Union Article III-335 (provisions establishing EU ombudsman)
Irish ombudsmen
★
The Office of the Ombudsman
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The Ombudsman for Children
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The Financial Services Ombudsman
Israeli ombudsman
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The Office of the Ombudsman
New Zealand government ombudsmen
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Ombudsmen.govt.nz - 'The
Office of the Ombudsmen in New Zealand'
Philippine government ombudsman
★
Ombudsman.gov.ph - 'The
Office of the Ombudsman -
Republic of the Philippines'
Swedish government ombudsmen
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JO - ''Justitieombudsmannen'' (Parliamentary Ombudsmen: The Ombudsmen of Justice)
★
BO - ''Barnombudsmannen'' (Ombudsman for Children)
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DO - ''Diskrimineringsombudsmannen'' (Ethnic Discrimination Ombudsman)
★
HomO - ''Ombudsmannen mot diskriminering på grund av sexuell läggning'' (
Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation)
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JämO - ''Jämställdhetsombudsmannen'' (Equal Opportunities Ombudsman)
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Konsumentverket/KO - ''Konsumentverket/Konsumentombudsmannen'' (The Swedish Consumer Agency/Consumer Ombudsman)'
★
JK - ''Justitiekanslern'' (The Chancellor of Justice)
Ukrainian government ombudsman
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Ombudsman.kiev.ua -
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
United Kingdom government ombudsmen
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Financial-Ombudsman.org.uk - 'The Financial Ombudsman Service: provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with financial firms'
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IHOS.org.uk - 'Housing Ombudsman Service': An independent service dealing with complaints against landlords & agents, and other housing disputes'
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IPCC.gov.uk - 'Independent Police Complaints Commission'
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LGO.org.uk - 'Commissioner for Local Administration in England: Local Government Ombudsmen's Home Page'
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NI-Ombudsman.org.uk - Northern Ireland Ombudsman's Office
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OLSO.org - 'Office of the Legal Services Ombudsman'
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Ombudsman.org.uk - 'Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: Making complaints a positive experience
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Ombudsman.gov.ie - '(Irish) Office of the Ombudsman'
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Ombudsmanwatch.org 'Local Government Ombudsman complaints body'
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Ombudsman-Wales.org - 'Public Services Ombudsman for Wales'
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Pensions-Ombudsman.org.uk - 'The Pensions Ombudsman: investigates and decides complaints and disputes about the way that pension schemes are run'
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OTelO.org.uk - 'Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman: We are an Ombudsman Service for public communication providers and their customers'
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ScottishOmbudsman.org.uk - 'Scottish Public Services Ombudsman'
United States government ombudsmen
★ http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
★
pubadvocate.nyc.gov Although carrying a different official title, the
New York Public Advocate is the ombudsman for residents of New York City
★
Ombudmhmr.state.mn.us - 'State of Minnesota Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities'
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Ombudsman.state.hi.us - 'State of Hawaii Office of the Ombudsman: independently and impartially investigates complaints against state and county agencies and employees'
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http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Ombudsman/ - 'Office of Citizens' Aide Ombudsman, Des Moines, Iowa'
★
azleg.state.az.us/ombudsman/default.htm - 'Arizona's Ombudsman Citizen's Aide'
★ http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/LEGISLATURE/ombud/home.htm - 'State of Alaska Ombudsman'
★ http://www.tennessee.gov/tccy/ombuds.html - The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth's (TCCY) Ombudsman Program was established in 1996. The juvenile justice program serves children who are in the foster care system and kinship care or relative caregiver placement. TCCY has statutory authority to review children in state custody and make recommendations for improvement.
Non-governmental (organizational) ombudsmen
★
Trent Stamp's Take - Commentary on the Red Cross selection for Ombudsman
★
OEA.co.uk - 'Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme: A free, fair and independent service for buyers and sellers of residential property in the UK'
★
ESPN - Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber is the public's representative to ESPN, offering independent examination and analysis of ESPN's media outlets. The former New York Times sports editor and author will critique decision-making, coverage and presentation of news, issues and events on ESPN television and other media. Schreiber will have a two-year tenure and succeeds George Solomon, ESPN's initial Ombudsman.
Ombudsman associations
★
BIOA.org.uk - 'British and Irish Ombudsman Association' (BIOA)
★
NewsOmbudsman.org - 'Organization of News Ombudsmen' (ONO)
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OmbudsAssociation.org - 'The International Ombudsman Association (IOA)
★
USOmbudsman.org - 'The United States Ombudsman Association: Promoting and supporting fairness, accountability, and equity in government through the public sector ombudsman'
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UVA.nl - 'The European Network of Ombudsmen in Higher Education' (ENOHE),
Universiteit van Amsterdam
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IOI - International Ombudsman Institute (IOI)
★
EOI - European Ombudsman Institute (EOI)
★
AOA- Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA): Promoting and developing the concepts of Ombudsmanship in Asia'
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CFO - Coalition of Federal Ombudsman (CFO) - Promoting and Assisting Ombudsman in the United States Government
Ombudsman directories
★
UAlberta.ca - International Ombudsman Institute (international directory of ombudsmen)
★
Ombuds Blog - 'Info re Organizational Ombuds (includes lists of corporate, academic, governmental, and non-governmental ombuds offices; ombuds job postings; critical ombuds documents; and resources for creating an ombuds office)'
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