An Updated Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK (latest version)

This Ombuds Day 2025 (9 October), we are pleased to publish an Updated Guide to Ombudsman Offices in UK – which provides accurate and up-to-date information for anyone trying to find the right ombudsman scheme to help with their complaint.

Ombudsman offices play a vital role when things go wrong, ensuring fairness, strengthening accountability, and driving improvement across services. 

This guide is designed to support the public, MPs, the advice and advocacy sector, and wider stakeholders in navigating the complaints process and accessing the right route to justice and redress.

What Is an Ombudsman – and Why It Matters?

An Ombudsman is an independent service that investigates and seeks to resolve complaints. Ombudsman schemes are free to use and impartial in their investigations, making decisions based on what is fair and reasonable – so they don’t take sides.

As well as helping individuals, ombudsman schemes identify broader issues and feedback recommendations to improve services and complaint handling across organisations.

Different ombudsman schemes have different powers, which may include:

• recommending an apology,
• requiring changes to policies or procedures, or
• awarding compensation for distress or inconvenience.
   

✔️ For individuals – An Ombudsman is an accessible, independent service that helps put things right. 

✔️ For organisations – Ombudsman schemes help resolve complaints and share lessons and learning to support organisations to improve services and complaint handling.

✔️ For society – An Ombudsman highlights systemic issues, makes sure people are treated fairly, hold organisations accountable, and provide a simpler, free alternative to going to court.
 

You can find out which Ombudsman in the UK may be able to help with your issue at Find an Ombudsman and through the Updated Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK

What’s in the Guide?

The October2025 edition of the Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK has been refreshed to ensure the information is current and accurate. It includes:

• Role of an Ombudsman what to expect and the types of powers they have. Answers to further questions including what to do if a complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, can be found on our website: What is an ombudsman | Ombudsman Association
• A sector-by-sector directory of Ombudsman schemes across the UK – including energy, health, housing and more, with clear explanations of each scheme’s role, remit, and powers.
• Updated contact details so it’s easier to seek help.
• Links to other organisations that can help when an Ombudsman isn’t the right route for your issue, so people can get the support they need. 

Who Benefits and How

Whether you are a member of the public seeking redress, an MP supporting a constituent, or a professional advising clients, understanding which Ombudsman can help is essential.

By bringing together the latest information in one place, this guide empowers people to resolve disputes fairly and independently – and helps strengthen trust in the redress system. 

Access the Guide

We hope this updated resource will provide clarity, confidence, and practical support for all of those navigating the complaints process.

Download a PDF the Updated Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK (opens in new tab).