Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman
NIPSO
Summary
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is appointed by the Crown on nomination of the Northern Ireland Assembly for a single non-renewable 7-year term; removal requires address from the Assembly. The 2016 Act replaced the earlier 1969 Commissioner for Complaints and 1969 Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration legislation. The NIPSO investigates complaints against Northern Ireland public authorities and has statutory powers to require information and examine witnesses. The NIPSO may also conduct own-initiative investigations. Reports are published without prepublication review. The budget is a Northern Ireland Assembly Commission estimate.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 7 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
- Citation
- 2016 c. 4 (N.I.)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Northern Ireland departments, district councils, health and social care bodies, education bodies, and other listed public authorities in Northern Ireland