Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed the appointment of the new Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Amerdeep Somal will take over the role at the beginning of February, alongside her appointment as Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England, which is the official organisation that runs the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Service.
Speaking about her appointment, Somal said:
“I am delighted to be taking on this hugely important role and the leadership of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman organisation, which has extensive influence on the quality of council services and social care across the country.
“The Ombudsman has a vital role both in ensuring that individual complaints are investigated – and wrongdoing put right – and in being a central part of the wider system that brings about fundamental change and improvement in these essential services. I look forward to taking on the Ombudsman position which helps to improve the quality of life for so many people, including some of society’s most vulnerable.”
Investigating complaints from the public about local authorities and social care providers, the Ombudsman is appointed by the King on the advice of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, however, investigations that are conducted by the Ombudsman are completely independent of the government.
Commented on the appointment, Local Government Minister Simon Hoare said:
“The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman provides a vital role in holding our public services to account, ensuring the public has the power to challenge decisions on the issues that matter most to them.
“I am delighted Amerdeep Somal has been confirmed as the next Ombudsman and look forward to working with her in the future.”
Somal has a wealth of experience, with previous roles including Complaints Commissioner to the Financial Regulators and the Data and Marketing Commission’s Chief Commissioner. The appointment process involved an open recruitment competition, with the Commissioner for Public Appointments overseeing it, whilst a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing in Parliament preceded the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee endorsing Somal’s appointment.
Beginning in February 2024, the appointment will last for a term of seven years.
Image credit: iStock and Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (https://www.lgo.org.uk/)
