Gill, Chris --- "What can government learn from the ombudsman?" [2018] ELECD 1070; in Hertogh, Marc; Kirkham, Richard (eds), "Research Handbook on the Ombudsman" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018) 298

Book Title: Research Handbook on the Ombudsman

Editor(s): Hertogh, Marc; Kirkham, Richard

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN: 9781786431240

Section: Chapter 16

Section Title: What can government learn from the ombudsman?

Author(s): Gill, Chris

Number of pages: 21

Abstract/Description:

The idea that government agencies should learn from the work of ombudsman schemes is widespread. It is also an area of activity on which many ombudsman schemes are laying increasing emphasis. This chapter examines the potential for government agencies to learn from the ombudsman. It begins by discussing some of the well-established challenges around learning in public bureaucracies, before providing an analysis of normative debates around the limits of the ombudsman’s role, and the institutional assets and liabilities it possesses in fulfilling that role. The chapter then uses two contrasting case studies to illustrate different ways in which ombudsman schemes seek to prompt governmental learning. The chapter ends by examining empirical studies and reflecting on the methodological challenges surrounding assessments of the ombudsman’s learning role.