Office of the Bermuda Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman for Bermuda investigates complaints of maladministration against government departments, public authorities, Government boards, and any other corporation or body that is established by Act of the Legislature or whose revenues derive directly from money provided by the Legislature. The Ombudsman’s Office is an “office of last resort”. According to S. 9(1)(b) of the Ombudsman Act 2004, the Ombudsman may decide not to investigate a complaint if “the law or existing administrative procedure provides a remedy adequate in the circumstances for the complainant and, if the complainant has not availed himself of the remedy, there is no reasonable justification for the failure to do so”. In instances where existing remedial procedures do exist, our office can assist you by referring you to that body. In the unfortunate event that you also experience maladministration from that body, our office will be happy to pursue your complaint. According to the Act, the Ombudsman CANNOT investigate any administrative action taken by the Cabinet or any exercise of power by the Governor to pardon persons convicted of criminal offences. We do not have authority to investigate any civil or criminal proceedings or any administrative action taken in respect to appointments, removals, pay, discipline, superannuation or other personnel matters. Arlene Brock is the first ever Ombudsman for Bermuda. She began her tenure in 2005.