Ombudsman launches public consultation on new ‘Information Promise’.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, has launched a public consultation on a new commitment about the way information is handled by her Office. The Information Promise is intended to be a clear statement about how the Ombudsman’s Office will value and look after information it receives from complainants and professional stakeholders.
The Information Promise sets out the standards that members of the public, bodies in the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction and others can expect from the Ombudsman’s Office when handling, storing, protecting and sharing information. It covers both personal data and other information held in connection with the Ombudsman’s statutory role.
Launching the Information Promise consultation, Ann Abraham explained:
“Often, people who complain to us share information that is very sensitive or personal and we work hard to protect that information and keep it safe and secure. At the same time, by sharing information about complaints we can help to improve public services for the benefit of everyone. Our Information Promise consultation explores the balance between the right to privacy and openness and transparency and I hope that people will share their views with us.”
The Information Promise consultation closes on 31 January 2012. For more details or to respond to the consultation,visit the Ombudsman’s website: http://www.ombudsman.org.uk/informationpromise.
Notes to editors:
- Ann Abraham holds the post of Parliamentary Ombudsman and is also Health Service Ombudsman. She is appointed by the Crown and is completely independent of Government and the NHS. She can look into complaints that government departments, a range of other public bodies in the UK, and the NHS in England, have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service.
- For media enquiries, please call the Press Office on 0300 061 4996 or email press@ombudsman.org.uk.
