The Senedd is looking to recommend a new Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) for appointment by Her Majesty The Queen. The Finance Committee is seeking candidates for the role.
The PSOW is impartial and independent of the Welsh Government. The role provides a free and independent service to the public.
The office of the PSOW was created by the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005. The PSOW has legal powers to look into complaints about public services and independent care providers in Wales. The PSOW also investigates complaints if members of local government bodies have breached their authority’s code of conduct.
In 2019 the powers of the PSOW were extended by the Senedd. The PSOW can now accept oral complaints, undertake their own initiative investigations, investigate private medical treatment including nursing care in a public/private health pathway and can undertake a role in complaints handling, standards and procedures.
Applications are welcomed from a diverse range of backgrounds.
For more information: https://senedd.wales/work-opportunities/public-appointments/
Chair of the Finance Committee, Peredur Owen Griffiths MS:
“We are seeking a new Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to continue promoting high standards in public life and continuous improvement in the standards of public services in Wales. In the last Senedd the powers of the PSOW were enhanced and the Finance Committee wants to appoint the right candidate to continue taking forward the office at this exciting time”
Nick Bennett, the outgoing Public Services Ombudsman:
“The Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019, has given a greater voice to citizens. The new powers have allowed my office to initiate investigations for the first time rather than waiting for a complaint to be received.
“This is an exciting time for the right candidate to continue taking forward the powers in the Act, working for the interests of the people of Wales and leading a committed team.”