The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has announced that Rebecca Marsh, the existing chief ombudsman at the Legal Ombudsman, will become the new Property Ombudsman later this year. 

From October 2020, Marsh will take up the role of Ombudsman at TPO, taking over from her predecessor Katrine Sporle, whose five-year contract comes to an end on 31st October.

Marsh, who was previously the deputy Ombudsman and executive director of operations and investigations at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, will be responsible for impartially reviewing complaints made by members of the public against agents, based on the evidence submitted.  

The aim is to promote a resolution in full and final settlement of a complaint. Where the Ombudsman is satisfied that the actions of an agent have disadvantaged a complainant, and taking into account relevant parts of the TPO Codes of Practice, she will determine appropriate redress.

The aim is to promote a resolution in full and final settlement of a complaint. Where the Ombudsman is satisfied that the actions of an agent have disadvantaged a complainant, and taking into account relevant parts of the TPO Codes of Practice, she will determine appropriate redress.

During Sporle’s term of office, TPO has dealt with an increase of enquiries of 87% and an increase of formal complaints of 55% demonstrating the increasing demand on the role as well as expansion of TPO’s jurisdictions.

Baroness Diana Warwick, chair of the TPO board, said: “Selecting the Ombudsman is a key responsibility of the TPO board. We are truly delighted to appoint Rebecca Marsh to this post. She has a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience of both the Ombudsman role and the sector.  

“Rebecca’s appointment will enable The Property Ombudsman to continue to influence stakeholders and to raise standards in the industry.”