New Waterways Ombudsman appointed

Sarah, an experienced ombudsman and civil servant, was appointed by the Committee following an open competition.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said: "I am thrilled to become the Waterways Ombudsman. The role allows me the opportunity to get back to the process of investigating complaints and to provide the whole package to the end user. I am keen to get started and grateful to Andrew for his support in the changeover period."

Kevin Fitzgerald CMG, who has recently taken over the role of Chair of the Waterways Ombudsman Committee from Steve Harriott said: "We are pleased to have Sarah on board. Her experience and enthusiasm for the ombudsman philosophy of aiming to eradicate complaints by continuous feedback accords with the view of the committee. We thank Andrew for his years of dedicated service and wish him well in his retirement.”

Sarah takes over at the end of July when Andrew Walker, who has been in post for almost seven years, retires.