Ombudsman
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
PSOW
72/100
Summary
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales is appointed by the Crown on nomination of the Senedd for a single non-renewable 7-year term; removal requires address by the Senedd. The 2019 Act replaced and strengthened the earlier 2005 Act, extending the PSOW's jurisdiction and introducing own-initiative investigation powers. The PSOW investigates complaints against Welsh public bodies and has statutory powers to require information and examine witnesses under oath. Reports are published without prepublication review. The budget is set as a Senedd 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
- Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019
- Citation
- 2019 anaw 3
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Welsh Government, local authorities, NHS Wales bodies, housing associations, further education bodies, and other listed public bodies in Wales