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Your search has returned 668 resultsProtecting refugees and asylum seekers
We recently held a roundtable event as part of our research project examining how ombudspersons can help improve access to justice for refugees and asylum seekers.
These groups are among the most vulnerable groups in society and face multiple barriers in accessing public services and raising complaints.
At the event Ombudsman Margaret Kelly provided an overview of NIPSO's engagement with civil society organisations and asylum seekers as we seek to make our service accessible to all.
Research lead Prof. Chris Gill from the University of Glasgow also provided an overview of the findings of a survey of members of the International Ombudsman Institute.
Presentations were also given from Ombudsman colleagues from Serbia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Denmark and Ireland.
The project will conclude with a conference to be held in Belfast in March 2025. Please contact nipso@nipso.org.uk if you require further details.
You can find out more information about the project at: https://oprasproject.wordpress.com/.
Office closure
Due to the adverse weather conditions our office will be closed to visitors on Friday 24 January.
Our telephone lines and online complaints form will be operating as normal.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
‘Significant failings’ in care of service user with special needs
A man said his autistic son’s health deteriorated because the Western Trust did not properly address his needs. Our investigation found that the Trust failed to provide a reasonable level of care and support to both the boy and his family over a 21-year period.
Quarterly Bulletin - January 2025
Our latest Quarterly Bulletin highlights:
- five recent investigation reports into complaints about health trusts and housing associations
- the latest on our complaints standards work
- details of an upcoming conference
- news of job opportunities at NIPSO
Trust did not explain risks of surgery to patient
We upheld a complaint from a woman who said she did not give her consent to a surgical procedure. We also found the Trust did not follow the right procedure when it decided the case did not meet the threshold for a Serious Adverse Incident investigation.
Ombudsman proposes own initiative investigation into Housing Executive
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is proposing to investigate the actions of the region’s largest social housing landlord, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The investigation into social housing conditions would be the third to take place under the Ombudsman’s ‘own initiative’ power, which allows for an investigation to take place where she has a reasonable suspicion of systemic maladministration.
Ombudsman Margaret Kelly has written to the Housing Executive to propose her investigation after noting an increasing number of enquiries and complaints about housing to her Office. A significant proportion relate to concerns about maintenance and repairs, including reported delays in carrying out repair requests, the quality of the work undertaken and how the concerns of social housing tenants are responded to when issues are raised, including how complaints are handled.
The proposed investigation will also consider how the Housing Executive delivers adaptations to its homes to meet the needs of individuals with vulnerabilities, and what actions it takes to ensure the conditions of properties used for temporary accommodation are appropriate. In deciding to take this action, the Ombudsman also reflected on the extent to which individuals reaching out to her Office have referred to housing issues having an adverse impact on their health.
Ms Kelly said:
‘Access to high quality and safe housing is important in reducing health inequalities and improving the overall wellbeing of our population. A good maintenance and repairs service is one of the most important responsibilities landlords have. It is important there is confidence in how the Housing Executive delivers this service and responds when concerns are raised about housing conditions.’
Ms Kelly stated her proposed investigation would allow for a thorough examination of these important issues, with the aim of making further improvements in social housing provision.
The Ombudsman, having sent her investigation proposal to the Housing Executive, will consider carefully any response before deciding whether to proceed to investigate and finalise the issues that fall within the scope of her investigation. The Ombudsman will make a further announcement upon launching an investigation.
Investigation of a complaint against the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
A patient’s spinal injury should have been reviewed by a consultant following referral from another Trust.
Ombudsman proposes own initiative investigation into Housing Executive
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is proposing to investigate the actions of the region’s largest social housing landlord, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The investigation into social housing conditions would be the third to take place under the Ombudsman’s ‘own initiative’ power, which allows for an investigation to take place where she has a reasonable suspicion of systemic maladministration.