Mariette Hughes is the Director of the office of the Armed Forces Commissioner, having previously served a five-year term as the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces. The role of the Armed Forces Commissioner is to promote the welfare of Service personnel and their families, and to provide independent and impartial oversight of the Service complaints process for Service personnel in the United Kingdom.
Mariette previously held various posts at the Legal Ombudsman Service (LeO) including Interim Chief Ombudsman, Director of Operations, and Ombudsman from 2016 to 2020. Mariette was also LeO's Head of Impact, Service Policy and External Affairs, which was responsible for identifying and learning business processes and driving changes to improve efficiency.
Mariette's focus is on fostering relationships with the sectors being overseen, and sharing learning and best practice. She also has a keen focus on operational efficiencies and change management.
Outside of work, Mariette enjoys time spent with her husband, son, and two very large dogs. She has a keen interest in American Football and represents Great Britain, along with Birmingham Lions and Birmingham Bulls.