The Ombudsman

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman was established in October 2002 with the aim of creating a one-stop shop for complaints across public services in Scotland.  The new Scottish Public Services Ombudsman service replaced the work done by the four previous Ombudsmen, namely the Scottish Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Scottish Health Service Ombudsman, the Scottish Local Government Ombudsman and the Housing Association Ombudsman for Scotland.

Professor Alice Brown is the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and is assisted by Eric Drake - Director of Investigation and David Robb - Director of Policy and Development.

As with the previous Local Government Ombudsman, the new Ombudsman can look at complaints against the City Council regarding poor service, failure to provide a service or administrative failure.  Generally the Ombudsman cannot consider complaints regarding properly made decisions of the Council, complaints which can be taken to court or an independent tribunal and personnel issues such as the appointment of staff, pay or discipline.

Before dealing with a complaint the Ombudsman will expect the complainer to have raised the matter with the body concerned in the first instance.  If the complainer is not satisfied with the response then contact should be made with the Ombudsman’s office.  Generally complaints should be in writing and submitted to the Ombudsman within one year of the matter complained of.

For further information please access the Ombudsman’s website

The Ombudsman has recently issued reports relating to Glasgow City Council.  A copy of the full reports are available from the links below:

• Ombudsman Report - July 2008
• Ombudsman Report - January 2008
• Ombudsman Report - December 2007
• Ombudsman Report - June 2007
• Ombudsman Report - March 2007
• Ombudsman Report - January 2007
• Ombudsman Report - June 2006