HONG KONG, CHINA | Ombudsman commends public organisations and public officers for exemplary service and puts forward three strategic focuses to enhance public administration

At the 27th Presentation Ceremony of The Ombudsman’s Awards on 31 October 2024, The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, presented the Grand Award to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (“FSD”), an Award for Public Organisation to both the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) and the Water Supplies Department (“WSD”), the Award on Mediation to the Housing Department (“HD”), the Customer Services Award to the Immigration Department (“ImmD”), and the Information Technology Application and Creativity Award to the Hospital Authority (“HA”).  Individual Awards were also given to 79 public officers.

For the live broadcast of the Awards Ceremony, please click here for the replay.

Mr Chan commended the award-winning organisations and public officers for their proactive use of mediation, their endeavours in achieving synergy through interdepartmental collaboration, and their positive attitude in complaint handling.  During the ceremony, Mr Chan also discussed the three strategic focuses put forward since he assumed office: The Office of The Ombudsman will go full steam ahead with the use of mediation to resolve complaints from the public, promote interdepartmental collaboration, and instil a positive complaint culture in society.  Mr Chan said, “With concerted efforts, we will definitely meet the objectives of improving people’s livelihood, fostering harmonious development in our society and raising the quality standards of public administration.”

This year’s recipient of the Grand Award, FSD, has committed to providing effective fire and ambulance services for years.  In 2023-24, 94 per cent of fire and ambulance calls were handled within the targeted response time, which is a standard higher than the performance pledge. FSD’s dedication and professionalism in protecting public life and property are essential for ensuring the normal operation of society.  The Department has also been proactive in promoting fire safety and public education on first aid.

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Source: The Office of the Ombudsman of Hong Kong, China