New leaders for England and Wales ombuds service

The ombuds service for higher education in England and Wales is splitting its top job in two.

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator said on 29 March that Felicity Mitchell had been appointed as independent adjudicator and that Ben Elger would become chief executive of the organisation.

The announcement comes after Judy Clements, the former independent adjudicator, announced her departure in October after just 18 months in the post. She also held the title of chief executive.

Ms Mitchell, who joined the OIA in 2004 and became a deputy adjudicator in 2009, will lead the OIA’s case-handling work and efforts to promote good practice in dealing with complaints.

Mr Elger joined the OIA as chief operating officer and company secretary, and will oversee liaison with government and sector bodies.

The pair have been fulfilling their new roles on an interim basis since the departure of Ms Clements, who said she was moving on to “new challenges”.

Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the OIA’s board, said: “Felicity and Ben between them bring a unique combination of leadership, vision, skills and experience, with a great depth of knowledge of the ombuds and higher education sectors. I am delighted to announce their appointments and very much look forward to our continuing work together as we progress and further develop the OIA’s work.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com