Ombudsman

Ombudsman

An Ombudsman is an official, usually appointed by the government, who investigates complaints (usually lodged by private citizens) against businesses, financial institutions, universities, government departments, or other public entities, and attempts to resolve the conflicts or concerns raised, either through mediation, recommendation, or formal ruling. Ombudsmen are often appointed to promote and protect the rights of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or violation of rights.

History

The term "ombudsman" originated in Sweden, with the Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman instituted by the Instrument of Government of 1809, to safeguard the rights of citizens by establishing a supervisory agency independent of the executive branch. The word ombudsman is Swedish and loosely translates as "representative".

Role and Function

The typical duties of an ombudsman are to investigate complaints and attempt to resolve them, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation. Ombudsmen sometimes also aim to identify systemic issues leading to poor service or breaches of people's rights. At the national level, an ombudsman's duties may include responding to the general public's complaints about government officials and agencies.

Types of Ombudsman

There are several types of ombudsmen, including Citizen's Advocate, Parliamentary Commissioner, Children's Ombudsman, Healthcare Ombudsman, Financial Services Ombudsman, and Information Commissioner.

Ombudsman Around the World

Many countries have ombudsmen, though the form, function, and terminology can vary. For example, in the United Kingdom, the term "ombudsman" is used by many public bodies to refer to the person who handles complaints. In the United States, the term "ombudsman" is often used to refer to a public advocate appointed by a governmental body.

See Also

• Public Advocate
• Human Rights
• Mediation
• Conflict Resolution

References

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