Julia Tabreham, founder and chief executive of Carers Federation, and Ruth Sawtell, who has an extensive complaint handling, health regulation and audit background, have been appointed to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s board as non-executive directors.

The Ombudsman, Ms Connie Lau, declared today (May 7) a direct investigation into the Lands Department (LandsD)’s system of regularisation of illegal occupation of Government land and breach of lease conditions. The aim is to identify any impropriety involved.

The Ombudsman welcomed the government's acceptance of her recommendation to make ex gratia payments to former residents of the Mentone Gardens aged care facility. Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass is pleased the government is taking steps to make redress.

The medical examination of persons deprived of their liberty who have injuries is a crucial preventive tool. In the course of its activity as the NPM, the Spanish Ombudsman decided that a study should be made to analyze the state of injury reports in the Spanish health and legal systems.

It is widely accepted that democracy promotes peace among nations, reduces the abuse of power and encourages societies to live in harmony. Upholding human rights undeniably fosters democratic security. A report by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) focuses on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe.

Charlene Paquin became Manitoba’s ombudsman on 4 May 2015. Ms Paquin has many years of public service experience including both policy and service delivery and she follows Mel Holley, who announced his retirement after three years and four months as acting Manitoba Ombudsman.

Groundbreaking project of Toronto Ombudsman to evaluate impact of Ombudsman investigations on public administration now also available in French.

The current newsletter provides the latest updates regarding the changes within the European Network of Ombudsmen and other Ombudsman institutions in Europe.