Homepage - Dispute Resolution Ombudsman

Inspiring Consumer Confidence
Since 1992

We are an independent, not-for-profit, government approved organisation set up to help resolve disputes and raise standards.

Our highly-trained staff provide impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to consumers and businesses, helping both sides reach a fair and reasonable outcome, which is binding on our members.

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How the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman works

Online Training Courses for businesses

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Our webinars and training courses are designed to address and examine topics that members face on a regular basis. They draw on 25 years of knowledge and review real life examples and casestudies, to give clear guidance and confidence to teams and individuals so they can implement improvements to their processes.

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Our articles, blogs and publications cover a range of topics for members, stakeholders and consumers.

15th July, 2021

Five representatives from the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) are taking on the notorious Tough Mudder obstacle course this summer in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Step 2 It campaign. Juliette Fletcher, Sam Keshavarzi, ...

1st July, 2021

Designers of bathrooms for people with a range of physical, cognitive and sensory impairments, Fine & Able has joined the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO). Membership of the voluntary, government approved Ombudsman scheme demonstra...

21st June, 2021

James Walker joins as independent Non-Executive Director at Dispute Resolution Ombudsman. The Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, incorporating the Furniture & Home Improvement and Rail Ombudsman, has today announced that tech entrepreneur and consumer...

14th June, 2021

Online homeware store invests in consumer protection as strong growth continues. Homeware retailer Cox & Cox has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) as it’s reported sales growth of +74.5% year on year for its financial ...

11th March, 2021

Q: Can a retailer sell an item with known cosmetic damage from the showroom and as long as the customer accepts this at point of sale (face to face, not online) the item cannot be returned for this reason? A: In relation to ex-display or returned goo...

3rd March, 2021

Furniture, lighting and gift store Albert Graham Ltd., has joined the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), giving their customers greater confidence and equipping them with additional protection and assurance. For more than a quarter of a...

Our articles, blogs and publications cover a range of topics for members, stakeholders and consumers.

Jun 07, 2021

In our experience, there are several steps that consumers can take to ensure their home improvement project goes as smoothly as possible. Here are our five top tips: 1. Buy from a trader who is a member of an ADR scheme When it comes to home improvem...

Jun 01, 2021

Mattresses matter but what are the legal considerations of buying a mattress and when can you return something you don’t like? Changing your mattress can be an anxious time – particularly if you are sleeping well and find your current mattress comfor...

May 27, 2021

Three years on from the introduction of GDPR, Data Protection remains at the heart of the political agenda and the forefront of our minds as individuals remain concerned about how organisations are using their data. The implementation of the General ...

May 24, 2021

A: Estimates and Quotes are not the same documents with different names and can be used in different situations to achieve separate distinct aims. The first thing we would advise is, regardless of which you are using, make sure they are in writing an...

May 19, 2021

Sometimes with the best will in the world we are prevented from delivering on our promises due to circumstances that are wholly outside of our control. Force majeure clauses are used by businesses to protect them when such unforeseeable circumstances...

Apr 22, 2021

With spring upon us, many will be turning to garden upgrades and make-overs as the weather improves and lockdown restrictions begin to ease to allow meeting in private gardens and outdoor spaces. Hard and soft landscaping will add texture, character ...