Office of the Ombudsman to implement new organisational structure

The Chief Ombudsman has confirmed a new organisational structure, which will be implemented in early April 2026. 

John Allen says his decisions create a more modern structure that is better aligned to the organisation’s strategic intentions. 

“The reorganisation is part of a strategic rebalance for the Office, to focus more on our priorities including timeliness, and broadening our community engagement.”

“We are receiving an increasing number of complaints. The challenge we face is more than just meeting that demand and monitoring developments. It’s about being more responsive, building trust with the public, promoting transparency and strengthening the capability of public organisations.”

He says the move has not been about reducing staff. “A small number of roles have been disestablished and others created. Some reporting lines and job descriptions have changed but the total number of positions remains broadly the same.”

Mr Allen says the new structure does not change the Office of the Ombudsman’s services, or how you access them, which remain the same.

“It’s about organising ourselves in a way that maximises our impact and ensures our people and our resources are properly targeted to achieve this”, he says.