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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.

We are currently taking steps to manage the circumstances we are all experiencing in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Like most others, including our fellow public sector service providers, this is impacting on our ability to provide our full normal service.

Mr Paul McFadden was nominated by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 3 February 2020 to serve as Acting Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman’s office opened its doors to the public on 22 December 1969.  To mark the occasion we have produced a short film, The 50th Anniversary of the Ombudsman in Northern Ireland, which looks at the Office’s origins and explains more about our work.  

A report released today has revealed that complaints to the Ombudsman increased by 15% in the last year. During 2018-19 the Office received 762 new complaints. This is the third successive year in which complaints to the Ombudsman have increased.