The Department for Work and Pensions will shortly commence recruitment for a new pensions ombudsman and deputy pensions ombudsman.
The current ombudsman Tony King will stand down from his post in late spring 2015, while Jane Irvine’s second term as deputy ombudsman ends next autumn.
Mr King was first appointed in 2007 and in August 2013 he was appointed for a third term of four years.
The deputy pensions ombudsman is a part-time role, with Ms Irvine first appointed in November 2009 and reappointed for a second three year term in November 2012.
Steve Webb, pensions minister, said he was grateful for the impact Mr King has made, successfully leading the office through a period of modernising its working methods and IT systems.
“I also want to thank Jane for the hard work she has put into the deputy ombudsman role, and in particular for her flexibility towards her workload which greatly helped the office deliver on its targets,” he added.
Mr King said: “In the next few months we will be introducing further important developments, making us more accessible and emphasising our service users’ needs and expectations.
“I have decided that when those are established it will be a good time to step down so that the office can continue to develop under new leadership and I can pursue other interests.”
peter.walker@ft.com
