The UK Parliamentary Ombudsman will be hosting a seminar on Peer Review in London in conjunction with the IOI on Monday 23rd September 2019.  This follows on from the review of his Office which IOI President, Peter Tyndall led in conjunction with the late Caroline Mitchell of the UK Financial Ombudsman and Christian Gill, Lecturer in Public Law at University of Glasgow.  The seminar will also draw on a review of the Public Services Ombudsman of Wales undertaken by the UK Local Government Ombudsman.

Having an independent review of your Office can help to answer questions about effectiveness and value for money, as well as provide key levers for change.  It can consider your office in the context of international standards such as the Venice Principles and international best practice to provide a comprehensive overview showing achievement and areas for possible improvement, whether in legislation or in practice.  Because the review is led by peers, it offers an insight into the work of your office based on knowledge and experience, in a way which a consultant or auditor may not be able to match.

The Seminar will contribute to the development of a new IOI Best Practice Paper on Peer Review.

Peer Review can, therefore, be a valuable tool for improving the performance of your Office and demonstrating value for money.  Registration for the seminar is open and some places are still available.  If you are interested in attending please contact Mr Brad Denton, UK Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (brad.denton@ombudsman.org.uk).