New Validation Committee members appointed 

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of two new Independent Members to the OA’s Validation Committee. The Validation Committee, which has a majority of independent members appointed via an open recruitment process, scrutinises both applications for membership and the re-validation of existing members against our membership criteria.  

New Members

We are delighted to welcome Bernadette Santiago and Sarah Fox, who have both been appointed to a three-year term.   Sarah Fox is an Assistant Director at the UK Competition and Markets Authority where she has investigated cases in consumer protection and regulatory appeals and has previous experience across both the regulatory and ombudsman landscape in the UK. Bernadette Santiago is a highly skilled investigator and adjudicator with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, professional conduct, and governance.  

Bernadette and Sarah join existing Independent Members, Professor Chris Gill and Professor Richard Kirkham. Biographies of Validation Committee members can be found here.

Bill Fennell, OA Vice Chair, and Chair of the Validation Committee, said: “We’re delighted to confirm Bernadette and Sarah’s appointment. Their wealth of experience and commitment to best practice will be invaluable in ensuring the OA’s criteria continues to drive up standards across the ombudsman and complaint handling landscape.” 

Kate Wellington

The new appointments follow Kate Wellington’s decision to step down from the Committee after over 6 years in the role. Margaret Kelly, Chair of the OA, said: “On behalf of the Board and the OA’s members I’d like to express our deep gratitude to Kate. Her insights and expertise have played a key role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of OA membership and she has undoubtedly shaped the development of more effective redress systems across the UK, Ireland, the British Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories. We’ve been incredibly lucky that Kate has given so much of her time to the OA – she will be missed!”  

The Role of the Validation Committee

Donal Galligan, the OA’s Chief Executive, added: “The Validation Committee is fundamental to the OA’s objectives, ensuring that members adhere to the principles set out in the OA’s membership criteria, which are based on independence, fairness, effectiveness, openness, and transparency. We look forward to working with Bernadette and Sarah and remain grateful to all who have dedicated their time and expertise to this vital work.”

For more information on the OA’s Validation Committee and its role, please visit Validation Committee | Ombudsman Association