Independent Assessor

The board of the Financial Ombudsman Service is looking for a new independent assessor as the current assessor approaches the end of her term. The board welcomes applications from people with a strong focus on fairness with the skills to exercise sound, independent judgements with common sense and diplomacy.

Using its statutory powers, the ombudsman settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses fairly and impartially – without the need to go through the courts. If someone is unhappy with how the service has handled a case (but not the outcome given) the independent assessor can look into matters and reach an independent view and can make recommendations to put things right.  As well as reaching a view on the individual case, the independent assessor can also highlight any wider issues or emerging trends to help the ombudsman continue to improve the experience for everyone who uses the service.

The right person for this role will be skilled in preparing evidence-based written opinions. They’ll need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate to people at all levels about issues that can sometimes be sensitive and emotive. They’ll understand that having influence requires a collaborative working style and have the ability to engage at executive and board level. They will be good at getting the best out of their own staff in a busy working environment.

Experience in a legal, regulatory or public body is not essential, but you should have worked in an environment which prides itself on customer service excellence.