Ombudsman
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
SPSO
72/100
Summary
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman is appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) for a single non-renewable 7-year term and can be removed only for cause on address of the Scottish Parliament. The SPSO investigates complaints against a wide range of Scottish public bodies and has statutory powers to require the production of documents and to examine witnesses. Reports are published without prepublication review. The SPSO's budget is set by the SPCB as a parliamentary estimate.
Independence Scorecard
72/100
Moderate
Methodology v0.1
| 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
- Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002
- Citation
- 2002 asp 11
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Scottish public services including Scottish Government, local authorities, NHS Scotland, housing associations, colleges, and prisons