The Parliamentary Ombudsman’s jurisdiction and role
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My role is determined by the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967, which enables me to investigate action taken by or on behalf of bodies within my jurisdiction in the exercise of their administrative functions. Complaints are referred to me by a Member of the House of Commons on behalf of a member of the public who claims to have sustained injustice in consequence of maladministration in connection with the actions taken.
My approach when conducting an investigation is to determine whether maladministration has occurred that has led to an injustice that has yet to be remedied.
If there is an unremedied injustice, I will recommend that the public body in question provides the complainant with an appropriate remedy. These recommendations may take a number of forms such as asking the body to issue an apology, or to make a payment to compensate for any financial loss, inconvenience or worry caused. I may also make recommendations that the body in question reviews its practice to ensure that similar failings do not reoccur.
