Mariette Hughes was appointed the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces in January 2021, on a five year Crown appointment. The role of the Service Complaints Ombudsman is to provide independent and impartial oversight of the Service complaints process for Service personnel in the United Kingdom.
Mariette previously held various posts at the Legal Ombudsman Service (LeO) including Interim Chief Ombudsman, Director of Operations, and Ombudsman from 2016 to 2020. Mariette was also LeO's Head of Impact, Service Policy and External Affairs, which was responsible for identifying and learning business processes and driving changes to improve efficiency.
Mariette's focus as an Ombudsman is on fostering relationships with the sectors being overseen, and sharing learning and best practice. She also has a keen focus on operational efficiencies and change management.
Outside of work, Mariette enjoys time spent with her husband, son, and two very large dogs. She has a keen interest in American Football and represents Great Britain, along with Birmingham Lions and Birmingham Bulls.