Statement of Strategy 2013-2015

Offices of the Ombudsman, Information Commissioner & Commissioner for Environmental Information

The ongoing economic difficulties challenge us all to work differently. In seeking to meet economic challenges and to generate efficiencies, all public services must however continue to honour the fundamental principles of openness, fairness and accountability.  Over the next three years we will strive to provide a high quality and timely service to members of the public who seek our assistance. We will regularly review how we operate to ensure that we respond as effectively and efficiently as possible to the increased demand from the large numbers of new bodies coming within my remit as Ombudsman and a potentially expanded remit for the Office of the Information Commissioner.

We have  a strong and committed team and we will support and strengthen this team in the coming years to ensure that we will continue to have a dynamic staff with the capability to deliver our goals.  We will use our experience of dealing with complaints and reviewing FOI  and AIE decisions to support public bodies in tackling the root causes of complaints and applications for review, thus maximising our impact and providing leadership in public sector reform.  Above all, we will use our  expertise and resources to support public administration in delivering quality public services to the people.

Emily O’Reilly,
Ombudsman , Information Commissioner & Commissioner for Environmental Information

February 2013