BackPresident Chris Field PSM had the pleasure of providing a Welcome Address to the 2024 Manchester Memorandum, held on 16-17 January 2024. In his address, President Field particularly acknowledged the host and instigator of the Manchester Memorandum, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman UK, Rob Behrens CBE.
President Field told conference delegates:
It is my view that the IOI, and the institution of the Ombudsman, has a uniquely important role to play at this juncture in our history. These continue to be very difficult times, both in Europe and globally. Over the coming years, there will be a series of both ongoing and developing issues for the IOI and the institution of the Ombudsman to face. These issues will include supporting Ombudsman Under Threat; ensuring that the IOI continues to be as inclusive as possible, and also ensuring that our Members are supported as much as possible in their endeavours, including through our regional subvention program. And we need to do all of this with a learned conviction. The Manchester Memorandum will assist us, at a time of great need for our work, to share and inculcate into our institutions the greatest knowledge and experience from our peers. In short, if we are to pursue our work with a learned conviction, then we need a new chapter in Ombudsman learning. This is the Manchester Memorandum.
Source: The Office of the IOI President and Western Australian Ombudsman, Australia
