Ombudsman consults on principles of good administration
19 Oct 2006
Press release 04/06
Ann Abraham, the Ombudsman, today launched her six Principles of Good Administration for consultation.
Ann Abraham, urges public services and Government to get it right, be customer focused, and be open and accountable. The Principles also include acting fairly and proportionately, putting things right when they have gone wrong, and seeking continuous improvement. The consultation document describes how the Principles might work in practice.
Ms Abraham said: “ The Principles are statements of what I believe bodies within my jurisdiction should be doing to deliver a good service to the public. They provide a reference for good practice based on our experience of handling large numbers of complaints.”
She continued, “The Principles of Good Administration will help my Office carry out our core function: investigating and resolving complaints as effectively and efficiently as possible. They will reinforce our provision of a first-class public service to all those we deal with, both complainants and public bodies, and help shape a common understanding of what good public administration and customer service mean.”
Ms Abraham developed the Principles to ensure that the work of her Office is understood by both complainants and the public bodies concerned. They reflect the sorts of tests that will be applied by the Ombudsman when determining whether or not maladministration or service failure has occurred.
The 12-week consultation starts today with government departments, the NHS, the Public Administration Select Committee, and other key groups and individuals.
Ends
Notes to Editors
- The Ombudsman investigates complaints about UK government departments, agencies and some other public bodies, and the NHS in England. She is independent of the Government, the civil service and the NHS. Her services are free and confidential.
- The six Principles of Good Administration are available on the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's website.
For media queries please contact the Press Office on 0300 061 4996/4996, or email press@ombudsman.org.uk
