Robert
Behrens CBE, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in the UK, has
delivered a public lecture at Northumbria University, Newcastle, on the need
for trust in public services.
Speaking
at Northumbria Law School, Mr Behrens addressed students, academics and members
on the public at a well-attended lecture. He
discussed the virtues and challenges of speaking “truth unto power”, and why
doing so was crucial for any public body wishing to gain public trust.
Mr Behrens
focused on the vital role played by ombudsman services, in particular the
Parliamentary & Health Services Ombudsman, in establishing, restoring or
maintaining trust in public services. He reflected on challenges facing the
Ombudsman today and the need for independence, impartiality and transparency.
Drawing on examples through history, he gave context to the current situation
when trust in public services was often under considerable strain. He also
considered what the future holds for the Parliamentary and Health Service
Ombudsman and the wider ombudsman landscape.
During his
visit to Northumbria Mr Behrens was also able to meet and talk with law
students.
He said:
“It was an honour and pleasure to be invited to speak at the University of
Northumbria. The audience raised important questions about the meaning of
independence and transparency in public services, particularly when filtered
through the media and MPs. This is valuable reflection as we work to improve
the culture and professionalism of what the national ombudsman seeks to
achieve. I was also struck by the vibrant, constructive, engagement between the
Students Union and university staff. This gives authority and competence to the
way in which complaints are handled at the university. There are lessons here
for other sectors.”
Mr Behrens
began his career in public service and standards as an academic in
social and public administration at Coventry Polytechnic and the Civil Service
College. He subsequently served as the Director of the International
Public Service Group at the Cabinet Office from 2001, before becoming Secretary
of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. In 2006, he was appointed
Complaints Commissioner at the Bar Standards Board for England and Wales.
Between 2008 and 2016, he
was Independent Adjudicator and Chief Executive Officer at the Office of the
Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education in England and Wales. Mr
Behrens is also a Visiting Professor at the UCL Institute of Education and
Chair to the European Network of Ombudsmen in Higher Education.
Professor Peter Francis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria
University, said: “We were honoured to welcome Rob to the University for his
insightful and highly thought-provoking lecture. Through his many prominent roles Rob has made
a wealth of positive contributions to disciplines including law, politics and
public affairs and is now doing do so in health and social care - all areas in
which Northumbria holds multiple interests. His contribution to higher
education has also been remarkable.”
