Public Services Ombudsperson Bill as Amended at Consideration Stage

Public Services Ombudsperson Bill

[AS AMENDED AT CONSIDERATION STAGE]

CONTENTS

PART 1

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson

1. The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson

2. Independence

3. Appointment

4. Abolition of existing offices

PART 2

INVESTIGATIONS

Power of investigation

5. Power to investigate complaints made by a person aggrieved

6. Power to investigate complaints referred by a listed authority

7. Acting on behalf of a person aggrieved

8. Power to investigate on own initiative

9. Criteria for own initiative investigations

10. Alternative resolution of complaints

11. Purposes of investigation

Listed authorities

12. Listed authorities

13. Meaning of action taken by a listed authority

Matters which may be investigated

14. Matters which may be investigated: general

15. Matters which may be investigated: health and social care bodies

16. Matters which may be investigated: general health care providers

17. Matters which may be investigated: independent providers of health and social care

18. Matters which may be investigated: universities

19. Administrative functions of staff of tribunals

20. Exclusion: public sector employment

21. Exclusion: other remedies available

22. Other excluded matters

23. Decisions taken without maladministration

Procedure for making complaint to the Ombudsperson

24. Complaints handling procedure to be invoked and exhausted

25. Duty to inform person aggrieved about the Ombudsperson

26. Form and time limit for making complaint

27. Meaning of exhausting the complaints handling procedure

Procedure for complaint referred to the Ombudsperson

28. Procedure for complaint referred to the Ombudsperson

Procedure for own initiative investigations

29. Procedure for own initiative investigations

Conduct of investigations

30. Investigation procedure

31. Information, documents, evidence and facilities

32. Privileged and confidential information

33. Obstruction and contempt

PART 3

Complaints handling procedure

34. Meaning of complaints handling procedure

35. Statement of principles

36. Obligation for listed authority to have complaints handling procedure

37. Model complaints handling procedures

38. Obligation for listed authority to comply with model CHPs

39. Declaration of non-compliance of complaints handling procedure

40. Submission of description of complaints handling procedure: general

41. Application of other enactments

42. Promotion of best practice etc.

PART 4

MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

Reports

43. Reports on investigations

44. Publication of reports on investigations in the public interest

45. Publication of reports on own initiative investigations

46. Reports to the Assembly

47. Reports and privileged information

Protection from defamation

48. Privilege for certain publications

Disclosure

49. Disclosure of information

50. Disclosure contrary to public interest

Consultation and co-operation with other ombudspersons

51. Consultation and co-operation with other ombudspersons

Court proceedings

52. Application to county court by person aggrieved

53. Relief granted by county court

54. Application to High Court by Attorney General

55. Relief granted by High Court

56. Court proceedings and privileged information

57. Supplementary provision in relation to court proceedings

PART 5

the nORTHERN IRELAND JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS OMBUDSMAN

58. Ombudsperson to be Judicial Appointments Ombudsman

PART 6

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

59. Interpretation

60. Power to make further provision

61. Orders

62. Amendments to Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

63. Other minor and consequential amendments

64. Commencement

65. Repeals

66. Short title

SCHEDULES:

Schedule 1 The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson

Schedule 2 Transfer of assets, liabilities, staff, and other transitional arrangements

Schedule 3 Listed authorities

Schedule 4 Tribunals referred to in section 19

Schedule 5 Other excluded matters

Schedule 6 Amendments consequent upon Ombudsperson being Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman

Schedule 7 Amendments to Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

Schedule 8 Other minor and consequential amendments

Schedule 9 Repeals

B I LL

Establish and make provision about the office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman; to abolish the offices of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints and the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland; to provide that the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is, by virtue of holding that office, the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and assented to by Her Majesty as follows:

PART 1

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson

1.—(1) There is to be a Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman(in this Act “the Ombudsperson”).

(2) The principal purpose of the Ombudsperson is to investigate alleged maladministration in listed authorities.

(3) Schedule 1 makes further provision about the Ombudsperson.

Independence

2.—(1) The Ombudsperson is not subject to the direction or control of⁠—

(a) a Minister,

(b) the Secretary of State,

(d) the Assembly, or

(e) the Assembly Commission.

(2) But this is subject to⁠—

(a) the power of the Assembly Commission to determine the salary, pension and terms of appointment of the Ombudsperson under paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of Schedule 1,

(b) the power of the Assembly to request Her Majesty to remove the Ombudsperson from office under paragraph 9 of Schedule 1,

(c) the power of the Department of Finance and Personnel to direct the form of accounts the Ombudsperson must prepare, under paragraph 7 of Schedule 2, or sections 9 to 13 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

Appointment

3.—(1) The Ombudsperson is to be appointed by Her Majesty, on the nomination of the Assembly.

(2) Appointment is for a term of 7 years.

(3) A person appointed as the Ombudsperson is not eligible for re-appointment.

(4) The Assembly Commission is to make arrangements for⁠—

(a) determining the criteria for appointment, and

(b) ensuring that the person to be appointed has been identified by fair and open competition.

(5) The validity of the exercise of any function of the Ombudsperson is not affected by any defect in appointment.

Abolition of existing offices

4.—(1) The offices of⁠—

(a) Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, and

(b) Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints,

are abolished.

(2) In this Act those offices are referred to as “existing offices”.

(3) Schedule 2 (which provides for the transfer of assets, liabilities, staff etc. of the existing offices to the Ombudsperson, and which makes other transitional arrangements) has effect.

PART 2

INVESTIGATIONS

Power of investigation

Power to investigate complaints made by a person aggrieved

5.—(1) The Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint, made by a member of the public who claims to have sustained an injustice (in this Act referred to as “a person aggrieved”), if the requirements of this section are met.

(2) The complaint must relate to action taken by a listed authority (see sections 12 and 13).

(3) The complaint must relate to a matter which can be investigated (see sections 14 to 23).

(4) The procedural requirements of sections 24 to 27 must have been followed.

(5) In this section “member of the public” means any individual or any incorporated or unincorporated body other than⁠—

(a) a listed authority acting in its capacity as such, or

(b) a member or officer, at the time of the action complained of and acting in that capacity, of the listed authority against which the complaint is made.

Power to investigate complaints referred by a listed authority

6.—(1) The Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint referred by a listed authority if the requirements of this section are met.

(2) The complaint must have been made to the listed authority by a person aggrieved.

(3) The listed authority must have been unable to resolve the complaint.

(4) The complaint must relate to action taken by the listed authority (see sections 12 and 13).

(5) The complaint must relate to a matter which can be investigated (see sections 14 to 23).

(6) The procedural requirements of section 28 must have been followed.

Acting on behalf of a person aggrieved

7.—(1) A member of the Assembly may act on behalf of a person aggrieved if authorised to act by the person.

(2) The following may act on behalf of a person aggrieved who has died, or is unable for any reason to act⁠—

(a) a member of the Assembly,

(b) a personal representative,

(d) any other person the Ombudsperson considers appropriate.

(3) Any other person may act on behalf of a person aggrieved if⁠—

(a) that person is authorised in writing to act by the person aggrieved, and

(b) the Ombudsperson considers that person appropriate.

(4) In the case of a complaint referred by a listed authority to the Ombudsperson, the requirement in subsection (2) and (3) that the Ombudsperson considers a person appropriate has no effect.

(5) Where, under this section, another person acts on behalf of a person aggrieved, references in any other provision of this Act to a person aggrieved are to be construed as including that other person.

Power to investigate on own initiative

8.—(1) The Ombudsperson may investigate a matter in respect of which⁠—

(a) no complaint has been made, or

(b) one or more complaints have been made (even if these complaints do not satisfy the requirements set out in sections 24 to 27),

if the requirements of this section are met.

(2) The matter must relate to action taken by one or more listed authorities (see sections 12 and 13).

(3) The matter must be one which can be investigated (see sections 14 to 23).

(4) The Ombudsperson must have a reasonable suspicion⁠—

(a) that there is systemic maladministration, or

(b) in a case where the matter is one which falls to be investigated under section 15(2)(b), 16(2)(b), or 17(2)(b), that systemic injustice has been sustained as a result of the exercise of clinical or professional judgement.

(5) The procedural requirements of section 29 must have been followed.

(6) The matter may relate to action taken before as well as after the day this section comes into operation.

Criteria for own initiative investigations

9.—(1) The Ombudsperson must establish (and may from time to time amend) criteria to be used in determining whether to commence an investigation under section 8.

(2) The Ombudsperson must publish and have regard to these criteria.

Alternative resolution of complaints

10.—(1) The Ombudsperson may take any action which the Ombudsperson considers appropriate with a view to resolving a complaint which could be investigated under section 5 or 6.

(2) The Ombudsperson may take action under this section in addition to or instead of conducting an investigation into the complaint.

(3) Any action under this section must be taken in private.

Purposes of investigation

11. The purposes of an investigation are⁠—

(a) to ascertain if⁠—

(i) the matter properly warrants investigation, and

(ii) the allegations contained in a complaint are in substance true,

(b) where it appears to the Ombudsperson to be desirable, to bring about a settlement, including by recommending that⁠—

(i) action be taken by the person aggrieved or listed authority, or

(ii) that the listed authority make a payment to the person aggrieved, and

(i) section 8(4)(a), to ascertain if there is systemic maladministration,

(ii) section 8(4)(b), to ascertain if there is systemic injustice.

Listed authorities

12.—(1) Each of the authorities listed in Schedule 3 is a listed authority for the purposes of this Act.

(2) The First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly may by order amend Schedule 3 by⁠—

(a) adding or omitting an authority, or

(b) altering its description.

(3) But an order under subsection (2) may not add an authority unless the authority⁠—

(a) is a Northern Ireland department,

(b) exercises functions on behalf of the Crown,

(d) is substantially financed out of public funds, or

(e) exercises functions conferred by a statutory provision.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a public appointee is a person appointed by⁠—

(a) the Crown,

(b) a Minister,

(d) a Northern Ireland department,

(e) a department of the Government of the United Kingdom,

(f) the Assembly, or

(g) the Assembly Commission.

(5) For the purposes of this section, a body is financed out of public funds if⁠—

(a) its expenses are defrayed out of moneys appropriated by Act of the Assembly,

(b) its expenses are defrayed out of moneys appropriated by Act of Parliament,

(d) its expenses are charged on and issued out of the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom.

(6) Before making an order under this section, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister must consult the Ombudsperson, the authority concerned, and any other person it thinks appropriate.

Meaning of action taken by a listed authority

13.—(1) For the purposes of this Act, action is taken by a listed authority if it is taken by⁠—

(a) that authority,

(b) a member, officer or member of staff of the authority acting in the discharge of functions of the authority,

(d) any other person acting on behalf of the authority.

(2) In this Act references to action taken by a listed authority include a failure to act on the part of the authority; and such other expressions connoting action are to be construed accordingly.

Matters which may be investigated

Matters which may be investigated: general

14.—(1) The Ombudsperson may investigate alleged maladministration through action taken in the exercise of administrative functions by a listed authority.

(2) This section does not apply to⁠—

(a) health and social care bodies,

(b) general health care providers,

(d) the universities referred to in section 18.

Matters which may be investigated: health and social care bodies

15.—(1) This section applies where a listed authority is a health and social care body.

(2) The Ombudsperson may investigate⁠—

(a) alleged maladministration through action taken in the exercise of administrative functions by the health and social care body,

(b) the merits of a decision of that body to the extent that it was taken in consequence of the exercise of professional judgement exercisable in connection with the provision of health or social care.

Matters which may be investigated: general health care providers

16.—(1) This section applies where a listed authority is a general health care provider.

(2) The Ombudsperson may investigate⁠—

(a) alleged maladministration through action taken in the exercise of administrative functions by the general health care provider in connection with general health care services,

(b) the merits of a decision of that body to the extent that it was taken in consequence of the exercise of professional judgement in connection with general health care services.

(3) In this Act, a general health care provider is⁠—

(a) an individual undertaking to provide general medical services or general dental services under Part 6 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972,

(b) a person undertaking to provide general ophthalmic services or pharmaceutical services under Part 6 of that Order, or

(c) an individual performing personal medical services or personal dental services in accordance with arrangements made under Article 15B of that Order (except as employees of, or otherwise on behalf of, a health and social care body or an independent provider).

(4) In this Act, general health care services are the services mentioned in subsection (3).

Matters which may be investigated: independent providers of health and social care

17.—(1) This section applies where the listed authority is an independent provider of health and social care.

(2) The Ombudsperson may investigate⁠—

(a) alleged maladministration through action taken in the exercise of administrative functions by the independent provider in connection with an arrangement with a health and social care body or a general health care provider to provide a service,

(3) In this Act, an independent provider of health and social care is a person⁠—

(a) providing services (of any kind) under an arrangement with a health and social care body or a general health care provider, and

(b) who is not a health and social care body or a general health care provider.

Matters which may be investigated: universities

18.—(1) This section applies where the listed authority is⁠—

(a) The Queen’s University of Belfast,

(b) the University of Ulster.

(2) The Ombudsperson may investigate alleged maladministration through action taken by a university in the exercise of administrative functions, in respect of students enrolled in courses validated by the university.

(3) Where the investigation is under section 5 or 6, the complaint must have been made by a student, or a person who has been a student.

(4) But the Ombudsperson has no jurisdiction to investigate a matter to the extent that it relates to a matter of academic judgement.

(5) If the Ombudsperson has jurisdiction in respect of a complaint, the visitor of a university has no jurisdiction in respect of that complaint.

(6) Where, before this section has come into operation, a complaint has been made to the visitor but has not been resolved by the visitor, the visitor has jurisdiction to deal with that complaint as if the other provisions of this section had not come into operation.

(7) In this Act, references to a university include references to a constituent college, school or hall or other institution of a university.

Administrative functions of staff of tribunals

19.—(1) For the purposes of section 14, administrative functions exercisable by any person appointed or assigned by the Department of Justice to serve as a member of the administrative staff of any court or tribunal are to be taken to be administrative functions of that Department.

(2) For the purposes of section 14, administrative functions exercisable by any person appointed or assigned to serve as a member of the administrative staff of a tribunal listed in Schedule 4⁠—

(a) by a listed authority, or

(b) with the consent (whether as to remuneration and other terms and conditions of service or otherwise) of a listed authority,

are to be taken to be administrative functions of that listed authority.

(3) The First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly may by order amend Schedule 4 by⁠—

(a) adding or omitting an entry, or

(b) altering its description.

Exclusion: public sector employment

20. The Ombudsperson must not investigate action taken in respect of appointments or removals, pay, discipline, superannuation or other personnel matters in relation to⁠—

(a) service in any office or employment under a listed authority,

(b) service in any office or employment under the Crown,

(i) in any office or employment; or

(ii) under any contract for services,

in respect of which power to take action, or to determine or approve the action to be taken, in such matters is vested in a listed authority.

Exclusion: other remedies available

21.—(1) The Ombudsperson must not investigate⁠—

(a) any action in respect of which the person aggrieved has or had a right of appeal, complaint, reference or review to or before a tribunal constituted under any statutory provision or by virtue of Her Majesty’s prerogative,

(b) any action in respect of which the person aggrieved has or had a remedy by way of proceedings in a court of law.

(2) But this is subject to⁠—

(a) section 78 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (investigations involving discrimination or making oaths or declarations), and

(b) subsection (3).

(3) The Ombudsperson may investigate⁠—

(a) notwithstanding that the person aggrieved has or had such a right or remedy as is mentioned in subsection (1), if the Ombudsperson is satisfied that in the particular circumstances it is not reasonable to expect the person aggrieved to resort to or have resorted to it, or

(b) notwithstanding that the person aggrieved had exercised such a right as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a), if the person aggrieved complains that the injustice sustained remains unremedied thereby and the Ombudsperson is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for that complaint.

Other excluded matters

22.—(1) The Ombudsperson must not investigate any actions or matters that are described in Schedule 5 otherwise than as authorised by paragraph 4(2) of that Schedule.

(2) The Assembly Commission may by order amend Schedule 5 so as to exclude from the provisions of that Schedule any action or matter that is described in that order.

Decisions taken without maladministration

23.—(1) Nothing in this Act authorises the Ombudsperson to question the merits of a decision taken without maladministration by a listed authority in the exercise of a discretion.

(2) But this is subject to⁠—

(a) section 15(2)(b),

(b) section 16(2)(b), and

Procedure for making complaint to the Ombudsperson

Complaints handling procedure to be invoked and exhausted

24.—(1) The Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint under section 5 only if satisfied that the person aggrieved has invoked and exhausted the listed authority’s complaints handling procedure.

(2) But the Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint despite the requirements of this section not being met, if there are special circumstances which make it proper to do so.

Duty to inform person aggrieved about the Ombudsperson

25.—(1) This section applies where a listed authority’s complaints handling procedure is exhausted.

(2) The authority must, within 2 weeks of the day on which the complaints handling procedure is exhausted give the person aggrieved a written notice stating⁠—

(a) that the complaints handling procedure is exhausted, and

(b) that the person aggrieved may, if dissatisfied, refer the complaint to the Ombudsperson.

(3) A notice under subsection (2) must⁠—

(a) inform the person aggrieved of the time limit for referring the complaint to the Ombudsperson, and

(b) provide details of how to contact the Ombudsperson.

Form and time limit for making complaint

26.—(1) The Ombudsperson may specify⁠—

(a) the form in which complaints must be made, and

(b) any particulars which complaints must contain.

(2) Where the complaints handling procedure has been exhausted, the complaint must be made to the Ombudsperson within 6 months of the day that the notice under section 25 is sent.

(3) Where the complaints handling procedure has not been exhausted but section 24(2) applies, the complaint must be made to the Ombudsperson within 12 months of the day on which the person aggrieved first has notice of the matters alleged in the complaint.

(4) But the Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint, despite the requirements of subsections (1) to (3) not being met, if there are special circumstances which make it proper to do so.

Meaning of exhausting the complaints handling procedure

27. A complaints handling procedure is exhausted when⁠—

(a) a final decision is made on the complaint,

(b) it is determined not to deal with the complaint, or

Procedure for complaint referred to the Ombudsperson

28.—(1) Complaints referred to the Ombudsperson must⁠—

(a) have been made to the listed authority within 12 months of the day on which the person aggrieved first had notice of the matters alleged in the complaint, and

(b) be referred to the Ombudsperson within six months of the day on which the complaint was made to the listed authority.

(2) But the Ombudsperson may investigate a complaint, despite the requirements of this section not being met, if there are special circumstances which make it proper to do so.

Procedure for own initiative investigations

29.—(1) Before commencing an investigation under section 8, the Ombudsperson must⁠—

(a) prepare an investigation proposal, and

(b) submit that proposal to any listed authority which it is proposed be investigated.

(2) The investigation proposal must set out⁠—

(a) the reasons for the proposed investigation, and

(b) how the criteria referred to in section 9 have been met.

Conduct of investigations

Investigation procedure

30.—(1) It is for the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) to decide whether to begin, continue or discontinue an investigation,

(b) to determine if the requirements of sections 5, 6 or 8 have been met.

(2) The Ombudsperson may begin or continue an investigation into a complaint even if the complaint has been withdrawn.

(3) If the Ombudsperson conducts an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority, the Ombudsperson must⁠—

(a) give the listed authority an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint,

(b) give any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of an opportunity to comment on any allegations relating to that person.

(4) If the Ombudsperson conducts an investigation into a listed authority under section 8, the Ombudsperson must⁠—

(a) give the listed authority an opportunity to comment on any evidence of systemic maladministration or systemic injustice, as the case may be,

(b) give any person who appears to have taken part in or authorised systemic maladministration or systemic injustice, as the case may be, an opportunity to comment on any evidence of that.

(5) An investigation must be conducted in private.

(6) Subject to subsections (3) to (5), the procedure for conducting an investigation is to be such as the Ombudsperson considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

(7) In particular the Ombudsperson may⁠—

(a) make such inquiries as are appropriate, and

(b) determine whether any person may be represented in the investigation by counsel, solicitor or otherwise.

(8) The Ombudsperson may pay to a person aggrieved and to any other person who attends or provides information for the purposes of an investigation⁠—

(a) such sums as the Ombudsperson may determine in respect of expenses properly incurred by them,

(b) such allowances as the Ombudsperson may determine by way of compensation for the loss of their time.

(9) In exercising powers under subsection (8), the Ombudsperson must have regard to the desirability of keeping the sums and allowances payable broadly in line with those payable in respect of persons attending, or providing information to, a tribunal constituted under any statutory provision or by virtue of Her Majesty’s prerogative.

(10) The conduct of an investigation in respect of a listed authority does not affect⁠—

(a) the validity of any action taken by the listed authority, or

(b) any power or duty of the listed authority to take further action with respect to any matter under investigation.

Information, documents, evidence and facilities

31.—(1) For the purposes of an investigation, the Ombudsperson may require the listed authority being investigated and any of the persons mentioned in subsection (2) to provide information or produce documents relevant to the investigation.

(2) Those persons are⁠—

(a) any member, officer or member of staff of the listed authority, and

(b) any other person, who in the Ombudsperson’s opinion is able to provide this information or produce these documents.

(3) For the purposes of an investigation, the Ombudsperson has the same powers as the High Court in respect of⁠—

(a) the attendance and examination of witnesses, including the administration of oaths or affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad, and

(b) the production of documents.

(4) For the purposes of an investigation, the Ombudsperson may require a person who is able to provide information or produce a document relevant to the investigation, to provide any facility the Ombudsperson may reasonably require.

(5) Subject to section 32(1) and (2), no person is compelled, for the purposes of an investigation, to give any evidence or produce any document which that person could not be compelled to give or to produce in civil proceedings in the High Court.

Privileged and confidential information

32.—(1) No obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information obtained by or supplied to persons in the service of the Crown, whether imposed by any statutory provision or any rule of law, applies to the disclosure of information for the purposes of an investigation.

(2) A listed authority is not entitled in relation to any investigation to any such privilege in respect of the production of documents or the giving of evidence as is allowed by law in legal proceedings.

(3) No person is or may be required or authorised by virtue of this Act to provide any information or answer any question relating to proceedings of the Executive Committee of the Assembly or of a sub-committee of that Committee, or to produce so much of any document as relates to such proceedings.

(4) For the purpose of subsection (3) a certificate issued by the secretary of the Executive Committee of the Assembly with the approval of the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly and certifying that any information, question, document or part of a document relates to any proceedings mentioned in that subsection is conclusive.

Obstruction and contempt

33.—(1) If any person without lawful excuse⁠—

(a) obstructs the Ombudsperson or any member of staff of the Ombudsperson in the performance of functions under this Act, or

(b) is guilty of any act in relation to an investigation under this Act which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court,

the Ombudsperson may certify the offence to the High Court.

(2) Where an offence is certified under this section, the High Court may inquire into the matter and, after hearing⁠—

(a) any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence, and

(b) any statement that may be offered in defence,

may deal with the person charged with the offence in any manner in which the court could deal with the person if the person had committed the like offence in relation to the court.

(3) This section does not apply to the taking of any action mentioned in section 30(10).

PART 3

Complaints handling procedure

Meaning of complaints handling procedure

34.—(1) In this Act “complaints handling procedure” is the procedure of a listed authority for⁠—

(a) examining complaints, or

(b) reviewing decisions,

in respect of matters which the Ombudsperson may investigate.

(2) But for the purposes of this Act, the following do not form part of a complaints handling procedure⁠—

(a) a right of appeal, complaint, reference or review to or before a tribunal constituted under any statutory provision or by virtue of Her Majesty’s prerogative,

(b) a remedy by way of proceedings in a court of law.

Statement of principles

35.—(1) The Ombudsperson must publish a statement of principles concerning complaints handling procedures of listed authorities.

(2) The first statement of principles is not to be published unless a draft of the statement has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.

(3) Before laying a draft statement of principles before the Assembly, the Ombudsperson must consult⁠—

(a) Ministers of Northern Ireland departments, and

(b) such listed authorities and other persons as the Ombudsperson thinks fit.

(4) The Ombudsperson must, in preparing the draft statement of principles, have regard to any representations made during the consultation.

(5) The statement of principles comes into force when it is published by the Ombudsperson.

(6) The Ombudsperson may from time to time revise and re-publish the statement of principles.

(7) Where the Ombudsperson considers that any revision of the statement of principles is material, subsections (2) to (5) apply to that statement of principles as they do to the first statement of principles.

Obligation for listed authority to have complaints handling procedure

36.—(1) A listed authority must ensure⁠—

(a) it has a complaints handling procedure in respect of action taken by the listed authority, and

(b) any such procedure complies with the statement of principles.

(2) A listed authority which is responsible for a complaints handling procedure⁠—

(a) in relation to, or

(b) operated by,

another listed authority, must ensure the procedure complies with the statement of principles.

Model complaints handling procedures

37.—(1) The Ombudsperson may publish model complaints handling procedures (referred to in this Act as “model CHP”) for listed authorities.

(2) A model CHP must comply with the statement of principles.

(3) The Ombudsperson may publish different model CHPs for different purposes.

(4) Before publishing a model CHP the Ombudsperson must consult such listed authorities and other persons as the Ombudsperson thinks fit.

(5) The Ombudsperson may from time to time revise and re-publish any model CHP; and in doing so, subsection (4) applies.

(6) Where a model CHP is revised and re-published, section 38 has effect with the following modifications⁠—

(a) any specification under section 38(1) in relation to the model CHP continues in effect as a specification in relation to the revised and re-published model CHP,

(b) any other reference to a model CHP is to the model CHP as revised and re-published,

(7) The Ombudsperson may withdraw any model CHP at any time; and any specification under section 38(1) in relation to the model CHP ceases to have effect upon that withdrawal.

Obligation for listed authority to comply with model CHPs

38.—(1) The Ombudsperson may specify a listed authority to which a model CHP is relevant, and must notify the authority accordingly.

(2) Where subsection (1) applies⁠—

(a) the listed authority must ensure that there is a complaints handling procedure which complies with the model CHP,

(b) the authority must submit a description of the complaints handling procedure, having taken account of the relevant model CHP, within 6 months of the specification.

(3) A listed authority may, with the consent of the Ombudsperson, modify the application of the model CHP which is relevant to it, but only to the extent that is necessary for the effective operation of the procedure by the authority.

(4) The Ombudsperson may revoke a specification at any time.

Declaration of non-compliance of complaints handling procedure

39.—(1) The Ombudsperson may make a declaration of non-compliance in relation to a complaints handling procedure if subsection (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This subsection applies where the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) has specified that a model CHP is relevant to a listed authority, and

(b) is of the opinion that a listed authority’s complaints handling procedure does not comply with the model CHP.

(3) This subsection applies where the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) has not specified that a model CHP is relevant to a listed authority, and

(b) is of the opinion that a listed authority’s complaints handling procedure does not comply with the statement of principles.

(4) Where a declaration is made, the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) must give reasons in writing,

(b) may specify such modifications to the complaints handling procedure as would result in the declaration being withdrawn.

(5) Where a declaration is made, the listed authority must submit a description of its complaints handling procedure to the Ombudsperson, having taken account of the reasons given under subsection (4)(a) and any modifications specified under (4)(b), within 2 months of the declaration.

(6) The Ombudsperson may withdraw a declaration at any time if the Ombudsperson thinks fit.

Submission of description of complaints handling procedure: general

40.—(1) A listed authority must submit a description of its complaints handling procedure to the Ombudsperson if the Ombudsperson so directs.

(2) The description must be submitted within three months of being so directed, or such other period as the Ombudsperson may direct.

(3) Sections 38(2)(b) and 39(5) are subject to any direction given under this section.

(4) Where a listed authority has submitted a description of its complaints handling procedure to the Ombudsperson under this Act or otherwise, the authority must provide such additional information in relation to that procedure as the Ombudsperson may reasonably request.

(5) The additional information must be provided within such period as the Ombudsperson directs.

Application of other enactments

41. The duties in sections 36 and 38(2)(a) do not apply to the extent that⁠—

(a) the listed authority lacks necessary powers (other than by virtue of this Act) to ensure compliance with the duties, or

(b) the duties are inconsistent with any other statutory provision.

Promotion of best practice etc.

42.—(1) The Ombudsperson must⁠—

(a) monitor practice and identify any trends in practice as respects the way in which listed authorities handle complaints,

(b) promote best practice in relation to such complaints handling,

(2) A listed authority must co-operate with the Ombudsperson in the exercise of the function in subsection (1).

(3) The duty in subsection (2) does not apply to the extent that⁠—

(a) the listed authority lacks the necessary powers (other than by virtue of this Act) to ensure compliance with the duty, or

(b) the duty is inconsistent with any other statutory provision.

PART 4

MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

Reports

Reports on investigations

43.—(1) The Ombudsperson must send a report of⁠—

(a) an investigation,

(b) the reasons for discontinuing an investigation,

as the case may be, to the persons referred to in subsection (2).

(2) Those persons are⁠—

(a) a person aggrieved,

(b) the listed authority investigated, or which it was proposed be investigated,

(d) any other person that the Ombudsperson considers appropriate.

(3) A report of the reasons for not investigating a complaint need only be sent to a person referred to in subsection (2)(b) or (c) if the Ombudsperson considers it appropriate to do so.

(4) Where a report is to be sent to a person referred to in subsection (2)(c), the Ombudsperson may determine to only send to that person the part of the report which relates to that person, if the Ombudsperson considers it appropriate to do so.

Publication of reports on investigations in the public interest

44.—(1) This section⁠—

(a) applies where the Ombudsperson proposes to publish a report of a type referred to in section 43(1), but

(b) does not apply in respect of an investigation conducted under section 8.

(2) The Ombudsperson must give notice of this proposal to the persons referred to in section 43(2).

(3) The notice must set out why the Ombudsperson believes it would be in the public interest to publish the report.

(4) The Ombudsperson may publish the report if, after taking account of the interests of any person aggrieved and any other person considered appropriate, the Ombudsperson considers it to be in the public interest to do so.

(5) The Ombudsperson may, for a reasonable fee, supply a copy of the report, or any part of it, to any person who requests it.

Publication of reports on own initiative investigations

45.—(1) The Ombudsperson must publish a report of an investigation conducted under section 8.

(2) The Ombudsperson may, for a reasonable fee, supply a copy of the report, or any part of it, to any person who requests it.

Reports to the Assembly

46.—(1) The Ombudsperson must lay before the Assembly annually a general report on the exercise of the Ombudsperson’s functions.

(2) If, after conducting an investigation (other than one under section 8) it appears to the Ombudsperson that⁠—

(a) an injustice has been sustained by a person aggrieved, and

(b) the injustice has not been, or will not be, remedied or adequately remedied,

the Ombudsperson may lay before the Assembly a special report on the investigation.

(3) Where the Ombudsperson has conducted an investigation under section 8, the Ombudsperson must lay the report on that investigation before the Assembly.

(4) The Ombudsperson may lay before the Assembly such other reports on the exercise of the Ombudsperson’s functions as the Ombudsperson thinks fit.

Reports and privileged information

47.—(1) This section applies where the Ombudsperson has obtained documents or evidence under section 31(1) by virtue of section 32(2).

(2) A report made by the Ombudsperson under sections 43 to 46⁠—

(a) may disclose that documents or evidence of this nature were obtained, but

(b) must not disclose the content of those documents or that evidence.

Protection from defamation

Privilege for certain publications

48.—(1) For the purposes of the law of defamation, any publication to which this section applies is absolutely privileged.

(2) This section applies to⁠—

(a) publication by the Ombudsperson of a report under this Act,

(b) publication by the Ombudsperson of any statement made in communication with any person, in connection with an investigation,

(c) publication by a person aggrieved of any statement made in communication with the Ombudsperson in connection with an investigation,

(d) publication by the Ombudsperson of any other matter in the discharge of the Ombudsperson’s functions under this Act.

(3) In this section “statement” has the meaning given in the Defamation Act 1996.

Disclosure

Disclosure of information

49.—(1) The information to which this section applies is⁠—

(a) information obtained by the Ombudsperson⁠—

(i) in deciding whether to begin an investigation,

(ii) in the course of an investigation,

(iii) in resolving a complaint under section 10,

(b) information obtained from a person mentioned in section 51(4),

(c) information obtained from the Information Commissioner by virtue of section 76 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (disclosure between Information Commissioner and ombudsmen).

(2) The information must not be disclosed except⁠—

(a) for the purposes of deciding whether to begin an investigation,

(b) for the purposes of an investigation,

(d) for the purposes of a statement or report made in relation to a complaint or investigation,

(e) for the purposes of any provision of section 51,

(f) for the purposes of proceedings for an offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 alleged to have been committed in respect of information obtained by the Ombudsperson,

(g) for the purposes of proceedings for an offence of perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of an investigation,

(h) for the purposes of an inquiry with a view to the taking of proceedings mentioned in paragraph (f) and (g),

(i) for the purposes of proceedings under section 33 or sections 54 to 55,

(j) in the case of information to the effect that a person is likely to constitute a threat to the health or safety of one or more persons, to any person to whom the Ombudsperson thinks it should be disclosed in the public interest,

(k) in the case of information to which subsection (3) applies, to the Information Commissioner.

(3) This subsection applies to information if it appears to the Ombudsperson to relate to⁠—

(a) a matter in respect of which the Information Commissioner could exercise a power conferred by an enactment mentioned in subsection (4), or

(b) the commission of an offence mentioned in subsection (5).

(4) The enactments are⁠—

(a) Part 5 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (enforcement),

(b) section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (practice recommendations),

(5) The offences are those under⁠—

(a) any provision of the Data Protection Act 1998 other than paragraph 12 of Schedule 9 to that Act (obstruction of execution warrant),

(b) section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (offence of altering records with intent to prevent disclosure).

(6) No person may be called upon to give evidence in any proceedings (other than proceedings mentioned in subsection (2)) of information obtained by that person as mentioned in subsection (1).

Disclosure contrary to public interest

50.—(1) A person to whom subsection (2) applies may give written notice to the Ombudsperson with respect to⁠—

(a) any document or information specified in the notice, or

(b) any class of document or information so specified,

that in the opinion of that person, the disclosure of that document or information, or of documents or information of that class, would be prejudicial to the safety of Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom or otherwise contrary to the public interest.

(2) This subsection applies to⁠—

(a) the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly,

(b) a Northern Ireland Minister, and

(3) If a notice is given under subsection (1), nothing in this Act is to be construed as authorising or requiring the Ombudsperson to disclose to any person or for any purpose any document or information, or class of document or information, specified in the notice.

(4) The Ombudsperson and the Secretary of State must enter into, and may from time to time revise, a memorandum of understanding concerning the exercise of their functions in relation to this section.

(5) The Ombudsperson must lay before the Assembly a copy of this memorandum and any revisions to it.

Consultation and co-operation with other ombudspersons

51.—(1) This section applies if, at any stage in the course of considering a complaint or conducting an investigation, the Ombudsperson forms the opinion that the matter could be the subject of an investigation by a person mentioned in subsection (4).

(2) The Ombudsperson must consult that person about the matter.

(3) The Ombudsperson may co-operate with that person, including co-operation⁠—

(a) by way of disclosure of information relating to the complaint or investigation,

(b) in the conduct of the investigation,

(4) The persons referred to in subsection (1) are⁠—

(a) the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration under the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967,

(b) the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman under the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002,

(c) the Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland under the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003,

(d) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005,

(e) the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland under the Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011,

(f) the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Act 1998,

(g) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission under the Northern Ireland Act 1998,

(h) the Ombudsman in the Republic of Ireland, in respect of complaints about or investigations into an implementation body to which the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 applies,

(i) a local government auditor within the meaning of Article 4 of the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005,

(j) the Comptroller and Auditor General, and

(k) the Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009.

Court proceedings

Application to county court by person aggrieved

52.—(1) This section applies where, following a complaint under section 5 or 6, the Ombudsperson reports that⁠—

(a) the requirements of section 5 or 6 (as the case may be) have been satisfied, and

(b) the person aggrieved has sustained an injustice.

(2) The person aggrieved may apply to the county court for relief under section 53.

(3) The application must be made in accordance with county court rules and upon notice to the listed authority.

Relief granted by county court

53.—(1) Following an application under section 52, the county court may award damages to be paid by the listed authority concerned to the person aggrieved.

(2) Damages must be of an amount which the court thinks just in all the circumstances to compensate the person for any loss or injury which the person may have suffered on account of⁠—

(a) expenses reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the injustice, and

(b) the person’s loss of opportunity of acquiring the benefit which the person might reasonably be expected to have had but for the injustice.

(3) In calculating the amount of damages to be awarded by virtue of subsection (2)(b) the court must apply the same rule concerning the duty of a person to mitigate loss as applies in relation to damages recoverable at common law.

(4) Where it appears to the court that justice could only be done to the person by directing the listed authority to take, or refrain from taking, any particular action, the court may, if satisfied that in all the circumstances it is reasonable to do so, make an order containing such a direction.

(5) Where an order under subsection (4) is duly served on the listed authority, disobedience to that order by that authority or any member or officer of that authority may be treated as contempt of court to which Article 55 of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 applies.

(6) Without prejudice to Articles 61 and 65 of that Order, the listed authority or the person aggrieved may, if dissatisfied with an order of the court under this section, appeal from that order as if it had been made in the exercise of the jurisdiction conferred by Part 3 of that Order and the appeal were brought under Article 60 of that Order.

(7) The powers conferred on the court by this section may be exercised notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any statutory provision which imposes limitations on its jurisdiction by reference to an amount claimed or to the value of property.

Application to High Court by Attorney General

54.—(1) This section applies where the Ombudsperson is of the opinion, following an investigation, that⁠—

(a) there is systemic maladministration in a listed authority, and

(b) that systemic maladministration is likely to continue unless the High Court grants relief under section 55.

(2) This section also applies where the Ombudsperson is of the opinion, following an investigation carried out in accordance with section 15(2)(b), 16(2)(b), or 17(2)(b), that⁠—

(a) systemic injustice has been sustained as a result of the exercise of clinical or professional judgement, and

(b) that systemic injustice is likely to continue unless the High Court grants relief under section 55.

(3) The Attorney General for Northern Ireland may, at the request of the Ombudsperson, apply to the High Court for relief under section 55.

Relief granted by High Court

55.—(1) This section applies where the High Court is satisfied as to the matters mentioned in section 54(1) or (2).

(2) The court may grant such mandatory or other injunction or such declaration or other relief as appears to it to be proper in all the circumstances.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the court may grant an injunction restraining the listed authority, or any member or officer of the listed authority, from engaging in, or permitting others to engage in⁠—

(a) the systemic maladministration (in the case of an application in respect of section 54(1)), or

(b) the clinical or professional judgement causing the systemic injustice (in the case of an application in respect of section 54(2)).

(4) The court may, in determining whether the matters mentioned in section 54(1) or (2) are satisfied, take into account not only the matters investigated by the Ombudsperson under section 5, 6 or 8, but also any other matters which appear to the court to be relevant.

Court proceedings and privileged information

56. Documents or evidence obtained by the Ombudsperson under section 31(1) by virtue of section 32(2) for the purposes of an investigation are not admissible for the purposes of any proceedings under sections 52 to 55.

Supplementary provision in relation to court proceedings

57.—(1) For the purposes of any proceedings under sections 52 to 55⁠—

(a) a report of the Ombudsperson relating to an investigation is to be accepted as evidence of the facts stated within it, unless the contrary is proven, and

(b) the authenticity of the report may be proved by production of a certificate of its authenticity signed by the Ombudsperson.

(2) Nothing in sections 52 to 55 affects the right to bring any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, which may be brought otherwise than under those sections.

PART 5

the nORTHERN IRELAND JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS OMBUDSMAN

Ombudsperson to be Judicial Appointments Ombudsman

58.—(1) For section 9A(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (appointment of Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman) substitute⁠—

“(2) The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson is, by virtue of holding that office, the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman.”.

(2) Schedule 6 (which makes amendments consequent upon the Ombudsperson being the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman) has effect.

(3) The person holding office as Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman immediately before the coming into operation of this section ceases to hold that office upon the coming into operation of this section.

PART 6

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Interpretation

59. In this Act⁠—

“action taken by a listed authority” has the meaning given in section 13,

“Assembly Commission” means the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission,

“complaints handling procedure” has the meaning given in section 34,

“the Crown” means the Crown in right of Her Majesty’s Government in Northern Ireland, except⁠—

(a) in the expression “Minister of the Crown”, and

(b) in paragraphs 1 and 15 of Schedule 1,

“existing offices” has the meaning given in section 4,

“general health care provider” has the meaning given in section 16,

“health and social care body” means any of the following bodies⁠—

(a) health and social care trusts,

(b) special health and social care agencies,

(d) the Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being,

(e) the Regional Business Services Organisation, and

(f) the Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority,

“independent provider of health and social care” has the meaning given in section 17,

“Minister” means⁠—

(a) Minister of a Northern Ireland department, and

(b) junior Minister,

“model CHP” has the meaning given in section 37,

“Northern Ireland Minister” has the same meaning as in the Northern Ireland Act 1998,

“Ombudsperson” means the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson,

“person aggrieved” has the meaning given in section 5(1),

“statement of principles” has the meaning given in section 35,

“statutory provision” has the meaning given in section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954, and

“tribunal” includes any authority, body or person having power to determine any matter.

Power to make further provision

60. The Assembly Commission may by order make such supplementary, incidental, consequential or transitional provision as it considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in consequence of, or for giving full effect to, any provision made by or under this Act.

Orders

61.—(1) No order to which subsection (2) applies is to be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Assembly.

(2) This subsection applies to an order under section 12(2), 19(3), 22(2) or 60.

(3) Orders under paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 1 are subject to negative resolution.

(4) Orders mentioned in this section may contain such incidental, consequential, supplementary, transitional and savings provisions as appear to the authority making them to be necessary or expedient.

Amendments to Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

62. Schedule 7 (which makes amendments to Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014) (conduct of councillors) has effect.

Other minor and consequential amendments

63. Schedule 8 (which makes other minor and consequential amendments) has effect.

Commencement

64.—(1) Except as provided below, the provisions of this Act come into operation on 1 April 2016.

(2) The following provisions come into operation on the day after this Act receives Royal Assent⁠—

(a) section 34,

(b) section 59,

(d) section 61,

(e) this section,

(f) section 66.

(3) The following provisions come into operation one month after the day this Act receives Royal Assent⁠—

(a) section 1 (including Schedule 1),

(b) section 3,

(4) The following provisions come into operation on 1 October 2016⁠—

(a) section 14(2)(d),

(b)section 18,

(i) an institution of further education,

(ii) University of Ulster,

(iii) The Queen’s University of Belfast,

(d) in Schedule 9⁠—

(i) in the entry relating to the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, the repeal of paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 (institutions of further education),

(ii) in the entry relating to the Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, the repeal of paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 (institutions of further education).

(5) The following provision comes into operation on 1 April 2017⁠—

(a) in Schedule 3, the entry relating to a grant-aided school,

(b) in Schedule 9, in the entry relating to the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, the repeal of paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 (grant-aided schools).

(6) The following provisions come into operation on 1 April 2018⁠—

(a) section 8,

(b) section 9,

(d) section 29,

(e) section 30(4),

(f) section 45,

(g) section 46(3).

(7) Part 3 (other than section 34) comes into operation on such day as the Assembly Commission may by order appoint.

Repeals

65. The statutory provisions mentioned in Schedule 9 are repealed to the extent specified in the second column of that Schedule.

Short title

66. This Act may be cited as the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1

Section 1.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson

Status

1.—(1) The person for the time being holding the office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson is by that name a corporation sole.

(2) The Ombudsperson is not to be regarded⁠—

(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

(3) Property held by the Ombudsperson is not to be regarded as property of, or held on behalf of, the Crown.

(4) But the Ombudsperson is a Crown servant for the purposes of the Official Secrets Act 1989.

Eligibility

2.—(1) A person is disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson if the person is a member of⁠—

(a) a district council,

(b) the Assembly,

(d) the House of Lords, or

(e) the European Parliament.

(2) Where a person who is the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) is nominated as a candidate for election to a body listed in sub-paragraph (1), or

(b) becomes a member of a body listed in sub-paragraph (1),

that person ceases immediately to be the Ombudsperson.

3.—(1) A person is disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson if the person is disqualified from being a member of the Assembly.

(2) Where a person who is the Ombudsperson⁠—

(a) is appointed to an office which would disqualify the person from being a member of the Assembly,

(b) takes employment which would disqualify the person from being a member of the Assembly, or

that person ceases immediately to be the Ombudsperson.

(3) In this paragraph “disqualified from being a member of the Assembly” means disqualified from being a member of the Assembly under the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 as applied by section 36(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(4) But references to disqualification from being a member of the Assembly do not include disqualification by virtue of being⁠—

(a) the Ombudsperson, under Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975, or

(b) the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman, under Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.

4.—(1) A person is disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson if the person is⁠—

(a) a listed authority,

(b) a member, officer or member of staff of a listed authority.

(2) A person who is the Ombudsperson is disqualified from being⁠—

(a) a listed authority,

(b) a member, officer or member of staff of a listed authority.

5.—(1) A person is disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson if the person⁠—

(a) holds any other office,

(b) holds employment, or

in respect of which remuneration or expenses are payable.

(2) A person who is the Ombudsperson must not⁠—

(a) be appointed to any other office,

(b) take employment, or

in respect of which remuneration or expenses are payable.

(3) This paragraph has no effect in relation to a particular office, employment or membership if⁠—

(a) the person gives notice of it to the Assembly Commission⁠—

(i) before coming Ombudsperson, or

(ii) before being appointed to the office, taking the employment, or becoming the member, as the case may be, and

(b) the Assembly Commission is of the opinion that the office, employment or membership would not compromise⁠—

(i) the ability of the Ombudsperson to discharge functions under this Act, and

(ii) the independence of the Ombudsperson.

(4) But⁠—

(a) a person is not disqualified from being appointed as Ombudsperson by virtue of being the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman,

(b) the Ombudsperson is not prevented from being appointed as the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman.

Salary

6.—(1) The Assembly Commission must by order determine the salary payable to the Ombudsperson.

(2) An order under sub-paragraph (1) may provide for the salary determined by the order to be payable from such date, whether before or after the making of the order, as may be specified in the order.

(3) The salary must not exceed the maximum salary for the time being payable to any person employed in the civil service of Northern Ireland.

(4) The salary must be charged on, and issued out of, the Consolidated Fund.

(5) The salary must be abated by the amount of any pension payable in respect of any public office, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, to which the Ombudsperson had previously been appointed or elected.

Pension

7.—(1) The Assembly Commission must make arrangements for the provision of pension and other benefits for or in respect of persons who have held office as the Ombudsperson.

(2) Scheme regulations for a scheme under section 1 of the Public Services Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, which is a scheme made by virtue of section 1(2)(a) of that Act, have effect with respect to the pension and other benefits to be paid in respect of persons who have been the Ombudsperson, as if service in that office were service in the employment of the civil service of Northern Ireland.

(3) Any sums required for the purposes of making an arrangement under sub-paragraph (1) must be charged on, and issued out of, the Consolidated Fund.

(4) Any abatement under paragraph 6(5) is to be disregarded in computing the salary for the purposes of any pension payable by virtue of this paragraph.

Other terms and conditions of appointment

8. The Assembly Commission may determine the other terms and conditions of appointment of the Ombudsperson.

Removal from office

9.—(1) Her Majesty may, on the passing of a resolution of the Assembly, remove the Ombudsperson from office.

(2) The resolution may only be passed on the ground of the Ombudsperson’s⁠—

(a) ill health, or

(b) misconduct.

(3) The resolution is not passed unless it has the support of a number of members of the Assembly which equals or exceeds two-thirds of the total number of seats in the Assembly.

Resignation

10. Her Majesty may remove the Ombudsperson from office upon request from the Ombudsperson.

Restrictions on subsequent employment

11.—(1) When a person ceases to be the Ombudsperson, that person must not, without the consent of the Assembly Commission⁠—

(a) become a listed authority,

(b) be appointed or elected to a listed authority, other than a listed authority which is a district council,

(d) provide services to a listed authority,

(e) be appointed or elected by a listed authority to any office or post.

(2) This restriction ends on the expiry of the financial year following the financial year in which the person ceased to be the Ombudsperson.

Acting Ombudsperson

12.—(1) This paragraph applies where the office of the Ombudsperson is vacant.

(2) Her Majesty may, on the nomination of the Assembly, appoint an acting Ombudsperson at any time during the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose.

(3) The acting Ombudsperson is to be regarded as the Ombudsperson except⁠—

(a) for the purposes of section 3(1) to (4),

(b) that the salary payable under paragraph 6 may be of a different amount to that payable to the Ombudsperson,

(d) that the terms and conditions of appointment under paragraph 8 may be different to the terms and conditions of appointment of the Ombudsperson.

(4) The acting Ombudsperson holds office until either⁠—

(a) the appointment of a new Ombudsperson, or

(b) the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning on the date on which the vacancy arose,

whichever comes first.

(5) A person who is disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson is disqualified from being appointed as the acting Ombudsperson.

(6) A person appointed as acting Ombudsperson may have previously held office as the Ombudsperson.

(7) A person appointed as acting Ombudsperson is not disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson by virtue of that fact.

(8) A person appointed as acting Ombudsperson is also to be regarded as holding office as Ombudsperson for the purposes of section 9A(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (appointment of Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman).

General powers

13. The Ombudsperson may do anything (including acquire or dispose of property or rights) which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of the Ombudsperson’s functions.

Delegation of functions

14.—(1) Any function of the Ombudsperson may be performed by any member of staff of the Ombudsperson authorised by the Ombudsperson for that purpose.

(2) Any function of the Ombudsperson may be performed by any other person authorised by the Ombudsperson for that purpose if⁠—

(a) that other person is suitably qualified to do so, and

(b) there are special circumstances which make it proper to do so.

Staff

15.—(1) The Ombudsperson may⁠—

(a) appoint staff,

(b) determine the terms and conditions of their employment, and

(2) In exercising powers under sub-paragraph (1), the Ombudsperson must have regard to the desirability of keeping the terms and conditions of employment, salary and pensions broadly in line with those applying to persons employed in the civil service of Northern Ireland.

(3) No member of staff of the Ombudsman is to be regarded⁠—

(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

(4) But each member of staff is a Crown servant for the purposes of the Official Secrets Act 1989.

(5) Scheme regulations for a scheme under section 1 of the Public Services Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, which is a scheme made by virtue of section 1(2)(a) of that Act, have effect with respect to the pension and other benefits to be paid in respect of persons who have been staff of the Ombudsperson, as if they were employed in the civil service of Northern Ireland.

Advisers

16.—(1) The Ombudsperson may obtain advice from any person who, in the opinion of the Ombudsperson, is qualified to give it, to assist in the discharge of the Ombudsperson’s functions.

(2) The Ombudsperson may pay to any person from whom advice is obtained under sub-paragraph (1) such fees or allowances as the Ombudsperson may determine.

(3) In exercising powers under this paragraph, the Ombudsperson must have regard to the desirability of keeping the fees and allowances broadly in line with those paid by the civil service of Northern Ireland.

Expenses

17. The expenses of the office of the Ombudsperson must be defrayed out of money appropriated by Act of the Assembly, but this is subject to⁠—

(a) paragraph 18, and

(b) section 64 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (expenditure of Ombudsperson under that Act).

Budget estimates

18.—(1) The Ombudsperson must, for each financial year other than the first, prepare an estimate of the use of resources (within the meaning of the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 by the office of the Ombudsperson.

(2) That estimate must be submitted to the committee established under section 66 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(3) In considering that estimate, that committee must have regard to the advice of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

(4) That estimate must, subject to any modifications agreed between that committee and the Ombudsperson, be laid before the Assembly by that committee.

Accounts and audit

19.—(1) The Ombudsperson must publish⁠—

(a) the certified accounts of the office of the Ombudsperson, and

(b) the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on those accounts.

(2) In this paragraph “certified accounts” and “report” mean the accounts and report laid by the Department of Finance and Personnel before the Assembly in accordance with section 10 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

Meaning of ‘financial year’

20. For the purposes of this Schedule⁠—

(a) a financial year is a period of 12 months ending on the 31st March, but

(b) the first financial year is the period beginning with the day on which the Ombudsperson is appointed and ending on 31 March 2017.

SCHEDULE 2

Section 4.

Transfer of assets, liabilities, staff, and other transitional arrangements

Transfer of assets and liabilities

1.—(1) All property, rights and liabilities to which each existing office is entitled or subject immediately before the appointed day are on that day transferred to, and by virtue of this paragraph vest in, the Ombudsperson.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1) has effect in relation to property, rights or liabilities to which it applies in spite of any provision (of whatever nature) which would prevent or restrict the transfer of the property, rights or liabilities otherwise than by that sub-paragraph.

(3) But sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to property, rights or liabilities under a contract of employment.

2. Anything (including legal proceedings) which is in the process of being done by or in relation to an existing office immediately before the transfer day and which relates to⁠—

(a) any function of that existing office, or

(b) any property, rights or liabilities of that existing office transferred to the Ombudsperson under paragraph 1,

may, on and after the transfer day, be continued by or in relation to the Ombudsperson.

3. Anything done by an existing office for the purpose of, or in connection with⁠—

(a) any function of that existing office, or

(b) any property, rights or liabilities of that existing office transferred to the Ombudsperson under paragraph 1,

and which is in effect immediately before the transfer day is to have effect on and after the transfer day as if done by the Ombudsperson.

4. On and after the transfer day, the Ombudsperson is to be substituted for each existing office in any instruments, contracts or legal proceedings which relate to⁠—

(a) any function of that existing office, or

(b) any property, rights or liabilities of that existing office transferred to the Ombudsperson under paragraph 1,

and which are made or commenced before the transfer day.

Transfer of staff

5.—(1) This paragraph applies to persons who immediately before the transfer day are employed by the existing offices.

(2) The Department must make arrangements providing for the transfer as from the transfer day of persons to whom this paragraph applies to the employment of the Ombudsperson.

(3) The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 apply to a transfer effected by the arrangements whether or not the transfer would, apart from this paragraph, be a relevant transfer for the purposes of those regulations.

(4) The arrangements must⁠—

(a) identify transferring employees,

(b) include provision securing pension protection for such employees,

(c) include provision for procedures designed to resolve any grievances of such employees arising in relation to matters dealt with by the arrangements, and

(d) include provision for the payment of compensation by the Department to any such employee who suffers loss or detriment in consequence of that transfer.

(5) Procedures under sub-paragraph (4)(c) must involve consideration of grievances by a person other than⁠—

(a) the holders of the existing offices,

(b) a member of staff of the existing offices, or

(6) The arrangements may include supplementary, incidental, transitional and consequential provision.

(7) Before making the arrangements the Department must consult⁠—

(a) the holders of the existing offices, and

(b) the transferring employees.

(8) For the purposes of this paragraph⁠—

(a) “pension protection” is secured for a transferring employee if after the change of employer effected by the arrangements the employee has rights to acquire pension benefits and those rights are the same as or (taken as a whole) no less favourable than those that the transferring employee had as an employee of the existing offices, and

(b) “transferring employee” means an employee of the existing offices who is transferred to the employment of the Ombudsperson by the arrangements.

Transfer of seconded staff

6. Any person seconded to an existing office under an arrangement made by the existing office is to be treated on and after the transfer day as seconded to the office of the Ombudsperson under a similar arrangement.

Accounts and reports: transitional arrangements

7.—(1) The Ombudsperson must make arrangements for statement of accounts to be prepared in relation to the existing offices for such period ending immediately before the transfer day as the Department may determine.

(2) The statement of accounts must⁠—

(a) be in such form, and

(b) contain such information,

as the Department may determine.

(3) The Department must send a copy of the statement of accounts to the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland.

(4) The Comptroller and Auditor General must⁠—

(a) examine and report on any statement of accounts received from the Department under sub-paragraph (3), and

(b) send a copy of any such report to the Department.

(5) The Department must lay a copy of the statement of accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report before the Assembly.

(6) The Ombudsperson must make arrangements for a general report on the performance of the functions of the existing offices for such period ending immediately before the transfer day as the Ombudsperson may determine.

(7) The Ombudsperson must lay this general report before the Assembly.

Pension of holders of existing offices

8.—(1) The repeal by this Act of the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 does not affect any entitlement to pension and other benefits payable to or in respect of persons who have been holders of the existing offices.

(2) Accordingly, Article 4(4) to (6) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, or, as the case may be, Article 5(4) to (6) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 continue to have effect with respect to such persons.

Complaints made to an existing office before the transfer day

9.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where a complaint⁠—

(a) has been made or referred to an existing office before the transfer day, and

(b) has not been determined by that office before that day.

(2) On and after the transfer day, the relevant existing statutory provision continues to apply in relation to the complaint notwithstanding the other provisions of this Act.

(3) As applied by sub-paragraph (2), the relevant existing statutory provision has effect as if for references to the existing office in relation to which that provision applies there were substituted references to the Ombudsperson.

(4) In this paragraph⁠—

“the relevant existing office” means the existing office to which the complaint was made or referred,

“the relevant existing statutory provision” means⁠—

(a) the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, where the relevant existing office is the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland,

(b) the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, where the relevant existing office is the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints,

(c) the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 where the existing office is the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints and the complaint is in relation to Part 9.

Action taken but complaint not made to existing office before the transfer day

10.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if⁠—

(a) action was taken by a listed authority before the transfer day, and

(b)a complaint could have been, but was not made or referred to the existing office before the transfer day.

(2) On and after the transfer day, the provisions of this Act apply for the purposes of enabling a complaint to be made in respect of that action.

Eligibility of holders of existing offices to be appointed as Ombudsperson

11. A person who has been appointed to any existing office is not disqualified from being appointed as the Ombudsperson or acting Ombudsperson by virtue of that fact.

Interpretation

12. In this Schedule⁠—

“the transfer day” means 1 April 2016, and

“the Department” means the Department of Finance and Personnel.

SCHEDULE 3

Section 12.

Listed authorities

Northern Ireland Assembly

Assembly Commission

The Independent Financial Review Panel

Northern Ireland Departments

A Northern Ireland department

Local Government

A district council, a joint committee appointed by two or more district councils for a purpose in which they are jointly interested, and any committee or sub-committee of a district council or joint committee

The Local Government Staff Commission for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee

Education and Training

The board of governors of a grant-aided school

An industrial training board

An institution of further education

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

The Education Authority

University of Ulster

The Queen’s University of Belfast

The Youth Council for Northern Ireland

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Policing, Criminal Justice and Law

A policing and community safety partnership or a district policing and community safety partnership

The Northern Ireland Policing Board

The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland

The Commission for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Police Fund

The Probation Board for Northern Ireland

The Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation

The Northern Ireland Law Commission

The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust

Arts and Leisure

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Board of Trustees of the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Library Authority

The Northern Ireland Museums Council

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board

The Sports Council for Northern Ireland

Health and Social Care

A health and social care trust

A special health and social care agency

The Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery

The Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

The Northern Ireland Social Care Council

The Patient and Client Council

The Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being

The Regional Health and Social Care Board

The Regional Business Services Organisation

A general health care provider

An independent provider of health and social care

Investment and Economic Development

Invest Northern Ireland

The company for the time being designated under Article 5 of the Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2003

A development corporation established under Part III of the Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2003

Industrial Relations

Office of the Certification Officer for Northern Ireland

The Labour Relations Agency

Harbours

The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority

A harbour authority within the meaning of the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970

Housing

A registered housing association within the meaning of Article 3(2) of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Children and Young People

The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland

The Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland

Charity and Voluntary Sector

Regulator of Community Interest Companies

Appeal Officer for Community Interest Companies

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council

Miscellaneous

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland

The Comptroller and Auditor General

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

The General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland

The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Audit Office

The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board

The Office of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland

Ulster Sheltered Employment Limited

A new town commission established under the New Towns Acts (Northern Ireland) 1965 to 1968 and any committee or sub-committee of a new town commission

An implementation body to which the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 applies

Notes:

1. An implementation body is a listed authority only to the extent that it exercises functions in or as regards Northern Ireland.

2. In relation to any function exercisable by a listed authority for the time being listed in this Schedule which was previously exercisable on behalf of the Crown by a body not so listed, the reference to the listed authority so listed includes a reference to the other body.

SCHEDULE 4

Section 19.

Tribunals referred to in section 19

The Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland established under section 1 of the Lands Tribunal and Compensation Act (Northern Ireland) 1964.

A tribunal constituted under Schedule 11 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972.

The Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal established under Article 36A of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977.

The Water Appeals Commission constituted under Article 292 of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Rent assessment committees constituted under Schedule 1 to the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Industrial tribunals established by regulations made under Article 3 of the Industrial Tribunals (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.

The Mental Health Review Tribunal for Northern Ireland constituted under Article 70 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

The Fair Employment Tribunal for Northern Ireland established under regulations under Article 81 of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.

The Planning Appeals Commission constituted under section 203 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

The Industrial Court constituted under Article 91 of the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

Registered Homes Tribunals constituted under Part V of the Registered Homes (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

Appeal tribunals constituted under Chapter I of Part II of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.

The tribunal established to adjudicate on claims under the scheme for compensation for loss of employment through civil unrest.

Adjudicators appointed under Article 7(1)(b) of the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.

Adjudicators appointed under Article 29(1) of the Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.

The Charity Tribunal for Northern Ireland established under section 12 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

SCHEDULE 5

Section 22.

Other excluded matters

1. Action which has been or is the subject of⁠—

(a) an inquiry which is referred to in section 23 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (inquiries and investigations),

(b) an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, or

2. Action taken by the Regional Health and Social Care Board in the exercise of its functions under regulations made under Articles 56, 61, 62 or 63 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 by virtue of Article 10 of the Health and Medicines (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (investigations of matters relating to services).

3. The commencement or conduct of any civil or criminal proceedings before a court of law in the United Kingdom, or of proceedings before any international court or tribunal.

4.—(1) Action which is or may be investigated by the Attorney General with a view to the institution of proceedings under section 31 or 46(9) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.

(2) But the Ombudsperson may investigate that action, notwithstanding any limitation of time imposed by section 26, if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied.

(3) Condition 1 is that⁠—

(a) the Attorney General has decided not to proceed with an investigation,

(b) the Attorney General has decided not to institute proceedings, or

(4) Condition 2 is that⁠—

(a) a person aggrieved complains that the action resulted in the person aggrieved sustaining injustice in consequence of maladministration,

(b) that injustice has not been remedied, and

5. Action taken in matters certified by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly, or by a Northern Ireland Minister, to affect relations or dealings between the Government of Northern Ireland and any other Government.

6. Action taken by a member of the administrative staff of any court or tribunal who was appointed or assigned to serve as a member of that staff by the Department of Justice, so far as the action is taken at the direction, or on the authority (whether express or implied), of any person acting in a judicial capacity or in the capacity of a member of the tribunal.

7. Action taken by any member of the administrative staff of a tribunal listed in Schedule 4, so far as that action is taken at the direction, or on the authority (whether express or implied), of any person acting in the capacity of a member of the tribunal.

SCHEDULE 6

Section 58.

Amendments consequent upon Ombudsperson being Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman

1. The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 is amended as follows.

2. In section 88 (interpretation) insert at the appropriate place in alphabetical order⁠—

““the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson” has the meaning given by the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015,”.

3. Schedule 3A (The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman) is amended as follows.

4. For paragraph 1 substitute⁠—

“Circumstances where Ombudsman ineligible to exercise specified functions

1.—(1)The Ombudsman is ineligible to exercise specified functions if either sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies where the Ombudsman⁠—

(a) is engaged in political activity as a member of a political party; or

(b) has ever been any of these⁠—

(i) a practising barrister in England and Wales;

(ii) a practising solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales;

(iii) a practising advocate in Scotland;

(iv) a practising solicitor in Scotland;

(v) a practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland;

(vi) a practising solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland;

(vii) the holder of a listed judicial office.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies where the Ombudsman considers⁠—

(a) that the Ombudsman has exercised functions that appear to be of a judicial nature and such as to make it inappropriate for the Ombudsman to exercise specified functions; or

(b) that past service in a capacity mentioned in sub-paragraph (5) makes it inappropriate for the Ombudsman to exercise specified functions.

(4) As part of the considerations under sub-paragraph (3), the Ombudsman may consult the Department of Justice.

(5) The service referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(b) is service as any of these –

(a) a Commissioner;

(b) a member of staff of the Commission;

Ombudsman to direct a person to exercise specified functions

1A.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where⁠—

(a) the provisions of this Act require the Ombudsman to exercise a specified function; but

(b) the Ombudsman is, under paragraph 1, ineligible to exercise that function.

(2) The Ombudsman must direct⁠—

(a) a member of the office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson; or

(b) any other appropriate person;

to exercise that function on behalf of the Ombudsman.

(3) The Ombudsman may direct⁠—

(a) different persons to exercise different functions,

(b) different persons to exercise the same function.

(4) Where the Ombudsman has directed a person to exercise a specified function, that person is to be treated, for the purposes of exercising that function, as the Ombudsman.

Persons whom the Ombudsman must not direct

1B.—(1) The Ombudsman must not direct a person under paragraph 1A if either sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies where⁠—

(a) the person is employed in the civil service of the State;

(b) the person is a member of the House of Commons;

(d) the person is engaged in political activity as a member of a political party;

(e) the person has ever been any of these⁠—

(i) a practising barrister in England and Wales;

(ii) a practising solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales;

(iii) a practising advocate in Scotland;

(iv) a practising solicitor in Scotland;

(v) a practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland;

(vi) a practising solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland;

(vii) the holder of a listed judicial office.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies where the Ombudsman considers⁠—

(a) that the person has exercised functions that appear to be of a judicial nature and such as to make it inappropriate for the person to exercise specified functions; or

(b) that past service in a capacity mentioned in sub-paragraph (5) make it inappropriate for the person to exercise specified functions.

(4) As part of the considerations under sub-paragraph (3), the Ombudsman may consult the Department of Justice.

(5) The service referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(b) is service as any of these⁠—

(a) a Commissioner;

(b) a member of staff of the Commission;

Meaning of “specified functions” and “practising”

1C.—(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, the functions of the Ombudsman set out in the following provisions are specified functions⁠—

(a) section 8;

(b) in section 9D, subsections (2), (3) and (4);

(d) section 9F;

(e) section 9H.

(2) In section 7(6A)(c), the function of convening a tribunal by the Ombudsman is a specified function for the purposes of this Schedule, but the person to be notified by the Lord Chief Justice under that subsection is the Ombudsman and not a person that the Ombudsman has directed to exercise a specified function.”.

5. Omit the following⁠—

(a) paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 (term of office etc. of Ombudsman),

(b) paragraph 6 (salary, allowances and expenses of Judicial Appointments Ombudsman, and

6. For paragraph 10(3) (approval of arrangements for assistance) substitute⁠—

“(3) In making arrangements, the Ombudsman must have regard to the desirability of keeping fees broadly in line with those paid by the civil service of Northern Ireland.”.

7. Omit paragraph 11 (arrangements by the Department of Justice).

8. In paragraph 12(1)(a) (delegation of functions) omit “or 11”.

9. Omit paragraph 13 (financial provisions and directions).

10. Omit paragraph 14 (code of conduct).

11. In paragraph 15 (reports)⁠—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “provide to the Department of Justice” substitute “lay before the Assembly”,

(b) in sub-paragraph (2) for “The Department of Justice” substitute “The Assembly”,

(i) for “Department of Justice” in the first place it occurs substitute “Assembly”, and

(ii) for “provide to the Department of Justice” substitute “lay before the Assembly”,

(d) omit sub-paragraph (4), and

(e) in sub-paragraph (5) for “under sub-paragraph (4)” substitute “before the Assembly”.

SCHEDULE 7

Section 62.

Amendments to Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

1. Part 9 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (conduct of councillors) is amended as follows.

2. After section 56 insert⁠—

“Adjudication hearings

Adjudication hearings

56A.—(1) Where the Commissioner proposes to make an adjudication under section 55(5)(c), the Commissioner may first hold an adjudication hearing.

(2) The adjudication hearing must be held in public save to the extent that the Commissioner determines that this would not be in the public interest.

(3) Subject to⁠—

(a) subsection (2), and

(b) the provisions of the 2015 Act which apply to adjudication hearings by virtue of section 63,

the procedure for an adjudication hearing is to be such as the Commissioner considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case.”.

3. In section 59 (decision following report) after subsection (7) insert⁠—

“(7A) Where the Commissioner censures a person under subsection (4), the Commissioner must give notice to the clerk of the council concerned⁠—

(a) stating that the person has failed to comply with the code of conduct;

(b) specifying the details of that failure; and

4. In section 59(10)⁠—

(a) in subsection (a) omit “and”,

(b) in subsection (b), at the end insert⁠—

“and

5. For section 63 (extension of 1996 Order) substitute⁠—

“Extension of 2015 Act

63.—(1) The provisions of the 2015 Act set out below have effect in relation to this Part as follows, and as if the references to the Ombudsperson in the 2015 Act were references to the Commissioner.

(2) In section 30 (investigation procedure) of the 2015 Act, subsections (5) and (7)(a) apply in relation to an investigation under section 55 as they apply in relation to an investigation under the 2015 Act.

(3) Section 31 (information, documents, evidence and facilities) of the 2015 Act, except for subsections (2)(a) and (4), applies in relation to an investigation under section 55⁠—

(a) as it applies in relation to an investigation under the 2015 Act, and

(b) as if the references to the listed authority being investigated were references to the person being investigated under this Part.

(4) Section 33 (obstruction and contempt) of the 2015 Act, except for subsection (3)⁠—

(a) applies in relation to the functions of the Commissioner under this Part as it applies in relation to the functions of the Ombudsperson under the 2015 Act, and

(b) applies in relation to an investigation under section 55 as it applies in relation to an investigation under the 2015 Act.

(5) In section 46 (reports to the Assembly) of the 2015 Act, subsections (1) and (4) apply in relation to functions of the Commissioner under this Part as they apply in relation to functions of the Ombudsperson under the 2015 Act.

(6) Section 48 (privilege for certain publications) of the 2015 Act applies in relation to reports, investigations, adjudications or notices under this Part as it applies in relation to reports and investigations under the 2015 Act.

(7) Section 49 (disclosure of information) of the 2015 Act –

(a) applies in relation to information obtained by the Commissioner in accordance with this Part as it applies in relation to information obtained by the Ombudsperson in accordance with the 2015 Act,

(b) applies as if the references to section 10 (alternative resolution of complaints) of the 2015 Act were references to section 55(2) of this Act,

(c) applies as if the reference in section 49(2)(e) to section 51 (consultation and co-operation with other ombudspersons) only applied in respect of the persons listed in section 51(4)(i) and (j) (local government auditor and Comptroller and Auditor General), and

(d) applies as if the references to section 54 and 55 (court proceedings) were omitted.

(8) In Schedule 1 (The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson) of the 2015 Act⁠—

(a) paragraph 14 (delegation of functions) applies in relation to functions of the Commissioner under this Part as it applies in relation to functions of the Ombudsperson under the 2015 Act,

(b) in paragraph 18 (budget estimates) references to resources of the Ombudsperson include resources used under this Part.

(9) The following provisions of the 2015 Act apply in relation to an adjudication hearing under section 56A as they apply in relation to an investigation under the 2015 Act⁠—

(a) section 30(7)(b) of the 2015 Act (legal representation),

(b) section 30(8) of the 2015 Act (payments to persons giving evidence),

(d) section 33 of the 2015 Act (obstruction and contempt) except for subsection (3).”.

6. In section 65(1)⁠—

(a) for the entry relating to the 1996 Order substitute⁠—

““the 2015 Act” means the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;”

(b) for the entry relating to the Commissioner substitute⁠—

““the Commissioner” means the Ombudsperson (within the meaning of the 2015 Act) who is to be known, for the purposes of exercising functions under this Part, as the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards;”.

SCHEDULE 8

Section 63.

Other minor and consequential amendments

Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (c. 25)

1. In Schedule 1, Part 3, insert in the appropriate place in alphabetical order

“the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson”.

Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 4)

2. In Article 16(3)(g) for “, the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration or the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints” substitute “or the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson”.

Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 8)

3. In section 117(8)⁠—

(a) for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute⁠—

“(b) the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson;”,

(b) in paragraph (i) after “above” in the first place it occurs, insert “, of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson,”.

Juries (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (NI 6)

4. In Schedule 3, for the entry relating to the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, substitute⁠—

“The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson.”

Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47)

5. In section 75(3) for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute⁠—

“(b) any authority (other than the Equality Commission, a grant-aided school, the Comptroller and Auditor General, a general health care provider or an independent provider of health and social care) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (listed authorities);”.

6. In section 76(7) for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute⁠—

“(c) any authority (other than a Northern Ireland department, a grant-aided school, the Comptroller and Auditor General, a general health care provider or an independent provider of health and social care) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (listed authorities);”.

7. In section 77(4) for paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) substitute⁠—

“(b) any authority (other than a Northern Ireland department, a grant-aided school, the Comptroller and Auditor General, a general health care provider or an independent provider of health and social care) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (listed authorities).”.

8. In section 78(2) for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute⁠—

“(b) section 21(1)(b) of the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.”.

Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 11)

9. In Article 4(1) for sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute⁠—

“(a) any authority (other than the Office of the Commissioner or the Comptroller and Auditor General) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (listed authorities).”.

10. In Schedule 1, for paragraphs 8 and 9 substitute⁠—

“8. The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson.”.

Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 1)

11. In section 7(6), for “the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland” substitute “the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsperson”.

12. In section 26(1) for paragraph (a) and (b) substitute⁠—

“(a) any authority (other than the Office of the Commissioner, a grant-aided school or the Comptroller and Auditor General) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsperson Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (listed authorities).”.

SCHEDULE 9

Section 65.

Repeals

Short Title	Extent of Repeal
The Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 (c. 36)	Section 36(1)(a) and (b).
The Salaries (Comptroller and Auditor General and Others) (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 (NI 14)	The whole Order.
The Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (c. 25)	In Schedule 1, in Part 3, the entries relating to the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints and the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
The Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 8)	In section 117(8)(i), the words “(b), (c),”.
The Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (NI 7)	The whole Order.
The Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (NI 8)	The whole Order.
The Industrial Tribunals (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (NI 18)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 13.
The Commissioner for Complaints (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (NI 14)	The whole Order.
The Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (NI 2)	In Schedule 3, the entry relating to the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
The Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (NI 10)	In Schedule 6, paragraph 115.
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47)	In section 75(3), paragraphs (ce) and (cf), and in paragraph (cc) the words “the Northern Ireland Policing Board,”. In section 76(7), paragraphs (f), (fa) and (fb). In Schedule 8, paragraph 11. In Schedule 13, paragraphs 17 and 18.
The Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (NI 18)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 26.
The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (NI 21)	In Schedule 3, the entry relating to the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
The North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (1999 No. 859)	In Schedule 2, paragraph 5.
The Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (NI 1)	In Schedule 2, the entry relating to the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
The Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (c. 3)	Section 50. In Schedule 1, paragraph 17.
The Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 (c. 1)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 19.
The Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 (c. 9)	In the Schedule, paragraph 17.
The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26)	In Schedule 3A, paragraphs 3 to 7, 11, in paragraph 12(1)(a) the words “or 11”, paragraph 14 and paragraph 15(4). In Schedule 12, paragraphs 63 and 64.
The Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 1)	Article 5(7). In Schedule 1, paragraph 21.
The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 2)	Article 146.
The Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 6)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 13.
The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 9)	In Schedule 4, the entry relating to the Commissioner for Complaints (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
The Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 11)	In Schedule 1, paragraphs 1, 2, 5, 7, 14 to 17 and in paragraph 12 the words “The Northern Ireland Policing Board and”. In Schedule 2, paragraph 14.
The Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (c. 12)	Section 5(5).
The Agriculture (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (NI 23)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 20.
The Inquiries Act 2005 (c. 12)	In Schedule 2, paragraph 37.
The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (NI 9)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 18.
The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (NI 10)	In Schedule 4, paragraph 12.
The Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (NI 17)	In the Schedule, paragraph 18.
The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (NI 21)	In Schedule 12, paragraph 37.
The Libraries Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 8)	In Schedule 3, paragraph 4.
The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 12)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 13.
The Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1)	In Schedule 6, paragraph 15.
The Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 1)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 14. In Schedule 3, paragraphs 1, 2 and 4.
The Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 7)	Section 13(2).
The Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 17)	In Schedule 5, paragraph 2.
The Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24)	In Schedule 7, paragraph 4.
The Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 2)	Section 23(1).
The Health and Social Care (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 5)	In the Schedule, paragraph 2.
The Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 12)	In Schedule 1, paragraph 18.
The Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 6)	The whole Act.

Public Services Ombudsperson Bill as Amended at Consideration Stage

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