Appointment of Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Peter Tyndall has been appointed Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Mr Tyndall was nominated for the appointment by the National Assembly following a formal recruitment process. His appointment was confirmed by Her Majesty the Queen.
Mr Tyndall takes on his new duties on April 21. His appointment follows the retirement of his predecessor as Ombudsman, Adam Peat. Mr Peat was the first holder of this post which was created by the amalgamation of three separate posts covering public administration, the health service and local government.
As Ombudsman, Mr Tyndall will be able to investigate complaints made by members of the public who believe that they have suffered hardship or injustice as a consequence of maladministration or service failure by the Welsh Assembly Government, local government, the NHS, registered social landlords including housing associations and a range of other public bodies controlled or funded by the National Assembly. The Ombudsman also undertakes investigations into allegations that a member of a local authority has failed to comply with the authority’s code of conduct.
Mr Tyndall said that “I am pleased and honoured to be taking on the duties of the post. In doing so, I would like to pay tribute to the work of my predecessor, Adam Peat, who has established the new role and developed it effectively.
“Public services are important to all of us in Wales, and especially so to those from disadvantaged communities or at risk of discrimination. As Ombudsman, I will work to ensure that everyone has recourse to an independent, objective and professional service which champions the rights of ordinary citizens. I will ensure that the Ombudsman continues to play a part in developing, better, fairer and more responsive public services for all of the people of Wales.”
Mr Tyndall’s appointment was welcomed by politicians of all parties. The Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, said: “I associate myself and all of us in our gratitude to Adam Peat for his work because the office of Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, particularly in its new and broader form, is an important post for us all as Assembly Members. I welcome Peter Tyndall, who has been a good friend to all of us, particularly in the arts world.”
Notes to editors: Mr Tyndall is married with three children and lives in Sully, near Penarth. Originally from Dublin, he has lived and worked in Wales for more than 30 years. He has been Chief Executive at the Arts Council of Wales since 2001, and was formerly Head of Education and Cultural Affairs with the Welsh Local Government Association. His earlier career included leadership and management roles in both local government and the independent sector in housing and in services for disabled people.
The recruitment panel for the Ombudsman post was chaired by Alun Cairns AM in his capacity as Chair of the Assembly Finance Committee. The other panel members were Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman for England, Dianne Bevan, Chief Operating Officer to the National Assembly for Wales, and Vivienne Sugar, acting as the Independent Assessor.