Festive closure 

Our office will be closed for the festive period from 25 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. Our phone line will close at 11am on 24 December 2025.

You can still submit your complaint via our online form but this will not be processed until we reopen.

Scottish Parliament nominates new Ombudsman

Today, Tuesday 1 April 2025, the Scottish Parliament agreed the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s (SPBC) recommendation, that Paul McFadden be appointed Scotland’s fourth Public Services Ombudsman. 

Rosemary Agnew, the current Ombudsman’s, eight-year term ends on 30 April 2025. In the interim until Paul takes up office, Andrew Crawford, a member of the SPSO Senior Leadership Team, will be appointed as the Interim Ombudsman from 1 May 2025. 

Rosemary Agnew said; 

“Congratulations to Paul McFadden. I welcome the announcement and the interim arrangements, as this will ensure there is no break or dip in service for our service users - complainants, whistleblowers, applicants to the Scottish Welfare Fund, and public bodies.”

Updated: April 1, 2025