Introduction Section 1: Creation of office of Service Complaints Ombudsman
3. Section 1 inserts into the Armed Forces Act 2006 new section 365B, which creates the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman. It also repeals section 366 of the Armed Forces Act 2006, thereby abolishing the office of Service Complaints Commissioner. There will be transitional provision made under the power conferred on the Secretary of State by section 6 to ensure continuity of office from the Service Complaints Commissioner to the Service Complaints Ombudsman, to ensure continuity of functions and to provide for the treatment of complaints which have already begun under the current redress system before the new provisions come into force.
New section 365B Service Complaints Ombudsman
4. This section establishes the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman. It also sets out the eligibility criteria for appointment and the Ombudsman's status - notably providing that the Ombudsman cannot be a member of the armed forces or the civil service and will not be regarded as a Crown servant.