Catalogue description Pensions Ombudsman: reports

The office of the Pensions Ombudsman was opened on 2 April 1991. The Ombudsman was chosen and funded by the Department of Social Security. The first Pensions Ombudsman was Michael Platt who was appointed on 2 January 1991. He was succeeded in September 1994 by Dr Julian Farrand.

The Pensions Ombudsman was established under Part IVA of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975, as inserted in that Act by Section 12 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Social Security Act 1990 (later consolidated in the Pensions Schemes Act 1993). Although the Ombudsman is appointed by a secretary of state, the work of his Office is that of an independent body established by statute.

The Ombudsman was set up to investigate complaints of misadministration by, and disputes with, the trustees or managers of occupational or personal pension schemes. He may also investigate disputes of fact or law between a complainant and the trustees or managers or employer.

The majority of complaints about pension schemes or employers were dealt with by the Occupational Pensions Advisory Service (OPAS). Further information about the origins and terms of reference of the Pensions Ombudsman can be found in the first annual reports.