THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN CONCLUDES VALIDATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN

Friday 3rd November, 2017.

With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Freetown, the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday 2nd November, 2017 held a workshop to validate the draft Ombudsman Strategic Plan 2018–2022.

Over the last seven weeks, the Office has been engaged in the development of a five-year strategic plan to guide its operations under the leadership of the new Ombudsman, Melron Nicol-Wilson Esq. A UNDP consultant, Charles Goredema from South Africa, has been providing technical assistance in the process.

The workshop, which was held at the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel - Aberdeen, attracted participants from the Office of the President, the Judiciary, Civil Society Organizations, and the various MDAs within the Justice Sector.

In his opening remarks, the Ombudsman Melron Nicol-Wilson thanked the participants for honouring his invitation to validate the Strategic Plan. He continued by explaining the functions of his Office; which is to resolve complaints against government ministries department and agencies, and encouraged the participants to make meaningful contribution which would enhance the process.

The priorities of the draft 2018–2022 Ombudsman Strategic Plan are:

1. Establish and maintain an institution that is technically competent and internally cohesive;

2. Ensure operational autonomy and financial independence;

3. Improve the visibility and accountability of the Ombudsman;

4. Enhance the impact of the Ombudsman on governance and service delivery;

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where participants asked questions, made comments and recommendations about the draft plan.