445.Firms can join the ombudsman scheme, on a voluntary basis, under the voluntary jurisdiction where they are not authorised by the Authority or in respect of activities falling outside the scope of the compulsory jurisdiction. However, the scheme’s voluntary jurisdiction rules can only relate to activities which are subject, or could be made subject, to the compulsory jurisdiction rules. The voluntary jurisdiction can be applied to authorised persons where a complaint relates to an activity which could be, but has not been, made subject to compulsory jurisdiction rules.
446.Voluntary jurisdiction rules can be made by the scheme operator with the approval of the Authority. The rules will also define which complainants are eligible.
Commentary on Sections Part Xvi: the Ombudsman Scheme Section 227: Voluntary jurisdiction