Statement on The Retail Ombudsman

The OA’s Validation Committee reviewed The Retail Ombudsman’s (TRO) submission for re-validation on 25 January 2017 and on 19 April 2017.

TRO was originally admitted to ‘Ombudsman membership’ of the OA as it appeared on paper that our membership criteria was met, but it was subject to re-validation so that practical evidence of compliance could be demonstrated.

The Validation Committee reviewed the application and the further papers submitted.  Following careful consideration the Validation Committee unanimously agreed that TRO did not meet the OA’s membership criteria.  The Validation Committee’s recommendation was considered by the OA Executive Committee on 5 May 2017, and was carried unanimously.  TRO was invited to address the next meeting of the OA Executive Committee before a final vote be taken to withdraw TRO’s membership.  However, TRO resigned its membership before the final stage of the re-validation process was completed.