Next universities ombudsman appointed

The next ombudsman for UK higher education will be Judy Clements.

Ms Clements, currently the adjudicator for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the Valuation Office Agency and the Insolvency Service, will become the chief executive of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education next April.

She will succeed Rob Behrens, who is stepping down after serving the maximum term of eight years.

Ram Gidoomal, chair of the OIA’s board, said he was “delighted” to make the appointment.

“Judy brings extensive experience as the leader and adjudicator of an effective complaints handling organisation,” he said. “She has a strong background in politically complex areas including taxation, policing, prisons and the NHS.”

Ms Clements, who will be tasked with resolving complaints by students that cannot be resolved by higher education institutions, was previously a director of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

She also worked at HM Prison Service, and is a governor of two independent schools.

“I am very much looking forward to joining the OIA next April,” Ms Clements said. “It plays a critical role in higher education in England and Wales and has established a strong reputation for the sensitive, timely and effective resolution of complaints.”

chris.havergal@tesglobal.com