Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

10th February 2025 at 12:00

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is one of the most important and influential roles in the public service: a unique opportunity to work closely with Parliament to right individual wrongs, hold those delivering public services to account, and to influence system change and improvement where it is needed.

The office of the PHSO provides an independent complaint handling service for citizens, making final decisions on complaints about UK government departments and other public bodies, and the NHS in England. It also shares findings from casework with Parliament and more widely to influence improvements that makes organisations, and people’s experience of them, better.

You will be responsible for the work of approximately 550 employees (£43 million budget). You will need the ability to lead, motivate and support staff in conducting robust investigations of the highest standard. You will personally make complex, sensitive and difficult decisions with a high public profile.

The role requires the ability to operate and influence at the most senior level of public life and comes with a significant element of Parliamentary and public scrutiny and challenge. We are seeking an individual who is a proven leader and effective communicator, who operates with independence, strategic vision, excellent judgement, and the utmost probity.

We welcome applications from candidates with a range of personal and professional backgrounds who can demonstrate that they meet the competences required, though an understanding of the public service is important.

If you believe that you have the experience and qualities we are seeking, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

We are working with GatenbySanderson to recruit to this post, and would ask you to apply via their website.