Former councillor Ian Stevenson (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) has been disqualified from being a councillor until 30 April 2025 following an Adjudication Hearing held on 28 June.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, today recommended significant changes in how further evidence is used in assessing and awarding entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit for some of the most vulnerable in society.

Please note we are unable to answer telephone calls today because of a staff training event.  Please contact us via our online complaints form or email us at nipso@nipso.org.uk.  We will return to our normal telephone service tomorrow.

Councillor Colin Kennedy (Ards and North Down Borough Council) has been suspended for a period of 6 weeks at an Adjudication Hearing held on 11 June 2021.

Former councillor Brian Duffin (Antrim and Newtownabbey Council) has been disqualified for a period of 5 years at an Adjudication Hearing held on 9 June 2021.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, has today called for a culture change in the way public bodies in Northern Ireland deal with complaints from members of the public. 

Our Overview Report contains details of investigations into restrictive practices in schools, identifies recurring themes, and includes a number of recommendations to the Department of Education.

Please note that our telephone service now operates between the hours of 9.00am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, you will be able to leave a message and a member of our ASSIST team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Like everyone we have been actively monitoring the developing situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our work.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, has called for clarity over who is responsible for paying the care fees of adults who have a combination of health and social care needs, including those in residential or nursing homes.