What the Ombudsman does

The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman investigates complaints from applicants for judicial appointments where maladministration or unfairness is alleged to have occurred in the process by:

• the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (the Commission) or Committees of the Commission;

• the Northern Ireland Court Service (NICtS) or

• the Lord Chancellor.

In addition, the Ombudsman may also investigate, determine and make recommendations on matters referred to the Ombudsman under the Act by the Lord Chancellor.

Other responsibilities include:

• Raising awareness and providing strategic direction for the Ombudsman among members of the public, the legal profession and other interested groups;
• Liaising with the Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman in England and Wales and
• Producing an annual report to the Lord Chancellor on the discharge of his functions, which will be laid before Parliament

The Ombudsman's office assumed its responsibilities on 25 September 2006 under the provisions of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. It is completely independent of the Government and the judiciary.

In investigating a complaint the Ombudsman aims to be impartial, accessible and effective within the limits of his authority. In so doing he has a duty of care equally to complainants and those complained about. In the event of maladministration the Ombudsman will seek redress and through recommendation and constructive feedback aim to improve standards and practices in the authorities concerned.