‘Ombud’ is derived from Old Norse and has roots in ancient Germanic languages: The Old Norse word ‘umboð’ meant ‘proxy’ or ‘attorney’.

Originally,  ‘OMBUDSMAN’  meant ‘representative’ or ‘someone authorized to act for someone else’.

The concept originated in Sweden in the early 1800s. The Swedish Parliament appointed the first ombudsman in 1809 to safeguard citizens’ rights and ensure that judges and civil servants acted in accordance with the laws. This institution was established as part of the Instrument of Government of 1809, creating a supervisory agency independent of the executive branch.

An ombudsman, also known as an ombud, ombudsperson, or public advocate, investigates complaints from private citizens against businesses, financial institutions, universities, government departments, or other public entities.

Their primary functions include:

1. Investigating complaints impartially and independently.

2. Attempting to resolve conflicts through mediation, negotiation, or by making recommendations.

3. Identifying systemic issues that lead to poor service or breaches of people’s rights.

4. Providing a channel for people to submit complaints without influence from the accused party.

5. Conducting fair and unbiased investigations at no cost to the complainant.

6. Helping to prevent governments and institutions from abusing their power.

7. Restoring confidence in systems and institutions by fairly addressing issues.

 

Ombuds typically have the authority to request key documents, interview individuals, and order legal investigations if necessary. They aim to facilitate the fair and expeditious resolution of complaints in an impartial, confidential, and independent manner.