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Chinese officials visit University to learn about Ombudsman – University of Reading

High-ranking officials from the Chinese government are visiting the University to learn more about the role of the Ombudsman in government and what measures are taken in Britain to deal with mistakes and misconduct in government. Dr Philip Giddings, of the University's Centre for Ombudsman and Governance Studies (COGS), will be speaking to 28 delegates from China's Ministry of Supervision on Tuesday, December 2. 'I shall be talking to them about the theory and practice of the Ombudsman institution,' said Dr Giddings. 'The Ombudsman investigates complaints by members of the public against maladministration by government officials, so we will look at how this "referee" puts things right when they go wrong.' The Chinese officials are visiting COGS, which is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research into the Ombudsman institution, as part of a training visit to learn more about how the UK deals with misconduct, abuse of power and crime in government. As well as finding out about the idea behind the Ombudsman from Dr Giddings, the delegation is also visiting the Local Government Ombudsman, the Serious Fraud Office and the NHS Counter Fraud Service. Dr Giddings gives frequent talks and training sessions – especially to overseas visitors – all over the country about the Ombudsman system. end Contact: Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, University of Reading Tel: 0118 378 8005 E-mail: c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk