Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman sees term extended for two years

The Cabinet Office has confirmed Rob Behrens’ term as Ombudsman and Chair of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has been extended for two years, on the recommendation of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee.

Behrens said: “I take seriously the responsibility of continuing to defend people’s rights at a time when the UK Ombudsman service has never been more needed in terms of providing access to justice. We will build on the transformation I am proud to have led over the past five years in collegiate fashion. 

“Our new three-year strategy will see us develop our approach to reaching out to more people, communities, and national and international stakeholders. We will enhance our skills in resolving cases and providing redress, and use emerging thematic data from our casework to promote public service improvement. We will rebuild from the pandemic in transparent, accessible, and accountable way.”

The PHSO service makes final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England and UK government departments and other UK public organisations.

It said the continuity of Behrens’ leadership would ensure it continues to make improvements as it implements its new strategy.

The extended term starts from April 2022.