Telecoms operators have appointed an Implementation Working Group (IWG) with representatives of the industry and consumer groups to start the process of setting up of a voluntary, industry-funded Ombudsman scheme.

The IWG is chaired by Edward Osmotherly CB, formerly the Local Government Ombudsman and Chairman of the British and Irish Ombudsman Association. The group has been meeting every fortnight since September and is making good progress.

The Ombudsman will be set up as a new company, and operators have been asked to state whether they intend to join by the end of November. This will allow sufficient time to recruit an Ombudsman and members of the Council so that the Scheme can be operational by next spring.

The IWG has appointed independent consultants present a scoping study setting out the likely start-up and running costs of the Scheme. the report will be completed by early December.

For further information about the Ombudsman scheme please contact Rosalind Stevens-Strohmann (tel: 020 7634 8743/email: rosalind.stevens-strohmann@oftel.gov.uk).