The Ombudsman investigates complaints about most organisations providing public services in Scotland where a member of the public claims to have suffered injustice or hardship as a result of maladministration or service failure. The Ombudsman is also responsible for setting and monitoring complaints handling standards for the public sector in Scotland, carries out independent reviews of decisions that councils make on community care and crisis grant applications (Welfare Fund Independent Reviews) and is also the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) for the NHS in Scotland.

This is high profile, demanding and challenging role. We are looking for a talented individual with excellent communication skills, experience of delivering functions within a statutory framework, excellent judgment to reach sound and impartial decisions, a proven track record of strategic leadership and demonstrable experience of delivering results.

The successful candidate will ideally be able to take up appointment on 1 May 2025.

This is a full-time, fixed term, appointment for 8 years and attracts a starting salary of £142,661.

The Ombudsman’s office is based in Edinburgh.