If the Ombudsman decides to carry out an investigation he will carry out a detailed examination of every aspect of your complaint. You should get a detailed report within 12 months. The report will decide if your complaint was justified or not.

If the Ombudsman decides that your complaint is justified he can recommend that the organisation provides a remedy. Although the Ombudsman can't force an organisation to carry out his recommendations, most will usually follow the recommendations.

• What will the Ombudsman recommend?
  
• What if the organisation doesn't carry out the Ombudsman's recommendations?
  
• What if I'm not happy with the Ombudsman's decision?
  

What will the Ombudsman recommend?

You aren't guaranteed 'compensation' if the Ombudsman decides that your complaint was justified. The Ombudsman will try to get the organisation to put you in the position you would have been in if you had been treated fairly in the first place.

The Ombudsman may recommend a payment, however, he may decide that an apology is enough. The Ombudsman may also tell the organisation to improve its procedures so that no one else will suffer in the same way.

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What if the organisation doesn't carry out the Ombudsman's recommendations?

You may be able to go to court to force the organisation to carry out the Ombudsman's recommendations. For example, you can ask the courts for help if the Housing Executive doesn't carry out the Ombudsman's recommendations.

Contact the Office of the Ombudsman if the organisation isn't carrying out the Ombudsman's recommendations.

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What if I'm not happy with the Ombudsman's decision?

If you are unhappy with the Ombudsman's decision you may be able to apply for a judicial review. Judicial review can be complicated, so you should get specialist advice before taking any action. An adviser can tell you whether you have a good case and can help with practical matters such as filling in court forms and preparing for hearings.

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