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Our Overview Report contains details of investigations into restrictive practices in schools, identifies recurring themes, and includes a number of recommendations to the Department of Education.

Please note that our telephone service now operates between the hours of 9.00am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, you will be able to leave a message and a member of our ASSIST team will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, has called for clarity over who is responsible for paying the care fees of adults who have a combination of health and social care needs, including those in residential or nursing homes.

We are continuing to receive new complaints and progress existing investigations.  However, as a result of the latest Government restrictions all our staff are now working from home. 

Our Quarterly Bulletin provides readers with a short, easy-to-read summary of news from the Office, drawing attention to our most recent investigation reports, providing updates on new initiatives, and highlighting other aspects of our work.

In June 2019 the Ombudsman launched an investigation into the Department for Communities’ (the Department) administration of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit system, focusing on the availability and application of further evidence in the PIP benefit decision making and internal complaints processes.

To mark International ‘Ombuds Day’ on 8 October, Ombudsman Margaret Kelly explains in this short video how the service makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Please note that our telephone service now operates between the hours of 9.00am and 1.00pm, Monday to Thursday.

The Northern Ireland Assembly today (6 July 2020) nominated Margaret Kelly as the new Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.   The new Ombudsman will take up her post on 19 August, following appointment by Royal Warrant.  The post is for a single period of seven years.

Our office is closed to walk-in visitors but we are still responding to emails and phone enquiries.  If you would like to contact us we would encourage you to do so by email (nipso@nipso.org.uk) or through our online complaints form.