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The new guide for Ombudsman staff when investigating complaints
The Office of the Ombudsman in Ireland has recently introduced a Human Rights-based approach to Ombudsman complaint handling. The main purpose for adopting this approach is to help ensure that public bodies under their jurisdiction have regard for the human rights of the individuals they deal with on a daily basis, and that the Ombudsman’s consideration of human rights is an integral part of the investigation of complaints of maladministration.
The approach is based on a set of values described collectively as FREDA (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Dignity and Autonomy). In conjunction with the introduction of a Human Rights-based approach, training was provided to Ombudsman staff to enable them to evaluate the action of public bodies and to ensure that the work of our Office is grounded in protecting individuals and in assisting public bodies to effectively apply human rights principles.
The Office has also developed a guide: ‘Human Rights: A guide for Ombudsman staff when investigating complaints’. The guide will help ensure that the work of the Office is grounded in protecting individuals and in assisting public bodies to effectively apply human rights principles. The guide was formally launched on 2 May 2024 and is available on the website of the Ombudsman.
The Office of the Ombudsman in Ireland would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman Office, the former Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman and current Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Ms Marie Anderson, and Dr Nazia Latif for their assistance in developing the guide. The Ombudsman is also grateful to the IOI who agreed to provide a subsidy towards the cost of the project.
Source: Ombudsman of Ireland
