Iain Anderson - Commonwealth Ombudsman

I’ve been the Commonwealth Ombudsman for 2.5 years and have seen how engaging with complaints well benefits both individuals and organisations. I have also seen the benefits to the community of greater transparency.

Before coming to this role I spent over 30 years working in public administration - doing a range of social and legal policy roles and also working as a lawyer. I’ve spent my working life seeking to resolve disputes and seeking to improve the ways systems operate and the outcomes they deliver.

Previous studies and reviews have shown that there can be structural and attitudinal barriers in the way of students making complaints about their experience at university. It can be hard to find the pathway to make a complaint, and the experience of making a complaint can also be unsatisfying.

Students who are unhappy with how their institution has engaged with their complaint will be able to come to the NSO. We will independently and impartially listen to students and engage with universities, so that individuals feel heard and opportunities to improve systems – for the good of students, institutions and the community - are identified.

- Iain Anderson, Commonwealth Ombudsman