Right first time: the role of ombudsmen in influencing administrative decision-making

Abstract

Administrative justice policy has shifted from a traditional concern with redress mechanisms towards a concern with administrative decision-making (decisions of an administrative nature taken by public officials which affect citizens' interests). As a result, ombudsmen are now expected to do more to drive improvements in administrative decision-making. The limited empirical data available present a mixed picture of the influence that ombudsmen may have in this area. A number of factors may increase ombudsmen's influence and, while these factors require further empirical testing, they offer clues to policymakers interested in improving administrative decision-making.