Ombudsman Escalation Letter (Generic)
Letter referring an unresolved complaint from a regulated firm or public body to the relevant ombudsman scheme.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Your complaint to a firm or public body is unresolved (or its final response is inadequate) and you want to escalate to the relevant ombudsman scheme (FOS, Energy Ombudsman, Housing Ombudsman, LGSCO, PHSO, Pensions Ombudsman, Legal Ombudsman).
When NOT to use this template
Before exhausting the firm's or public body's internal process — most ombudsmen will refer you back.
Legal Basis
Each ombudsman scheme has its own statutory or contractual basis; see the relevant scheme rules.
Before you send
- Missing the time limit (typically 6 months from final response)
- Failing to enclose the firm's final response letter
- Not specifying the remedy you seek
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Missing the time limit (typically 6 months from final response)
- ✗Failing to enclose the firm's final response letter
- ✗Not specifying the remedy you seek
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Telephone] [Email] [OMBUDSMAN SCHEME NAME] [OMBUDSMAN ADDRESS] Date: [DATE] Dear Sir or Madam, Referral of complaint about [RESPONDENT NAME] I refer my complaint about [RESPONDENT NAME] to [OMBUDSMAN SCHEME NAME] for investigation under your scheme. 1. My details Name: [YOUR NAME] Address: [as above] Reference with [RESPONDENT NAME]: [YOUR REFERENCE WITH RESPONDENT] 2. The respondent Name: [RESPONDENT NAME] Address: [RESPONDENT ADDRESS] 3. The complaint in summary [COMPLAINT SUMMARY] 4. Steps taken so far [STEPS TAKEN WITH THE RESPONDENT] The respondent's final response is dated [FINAL RESPONSE DATE] (copy enclosed). I am not satisfied with that response because: [WHY NOT SATISFIED] 5. Remedy sought [REMEDY SOUGHT] 6. Documents enclosed [DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED] Please confirm receipt and your reference number for this complaint. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.