The latest update on our allocation backlog
As of 27 February, we have 142 unallocated substance and maladministration cases, this is a small decrease of eight cases since January 2018. Our oldest unallocated case was received in January 2018. There is no backlog in allocating applications for the review of an admissibility decision or undue delay investigations.
The new Fee Earner has completed their training and is now taking cases. A recent recruitment campaign has resulted in us offering an individual a Senior Investigator post which should mean the team will be fully staffed for the first time in the history of the Ombudsman’s office. They are currently progressing through the security vetting process and we hope they will join us soon.
A review of our internal processes is due to be concluded by the end of March. The aim is to determine whether we can work in a more efficient way to help reduce our backlog.
Despite the slight improvement in our backlog this month we know we still have a long way to go to improve our service. We are continuing to seek ways to make improvements and encourage you to make an application to us if you believe you have been wronged in the way your Service complaint was handled and/or your believe the incorrect decision was made.