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

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

3rd 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

5 Myths about Ombudsman Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers which include ombudsman, provide services for business and consumers. When customers can’t get their complaint resolved and the trader is a member of a scheme, they can take their...

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...

3rd March, 2021

It is with regret that the Board have accepted Vince Linnane’s resignation today in respect of his role as a non-executive director of the company. Vince has his own business interests and clients and he needs to dedicate more time to this area durin...

22nd February, 2021

Plumbing, heating and green energy company Heatforce has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), demonstrating their continuous dedication to promoting fair trade and protecting consumer’s rights. The independent, not-for prof...

20th October, 2020

One of Britain’s largest furniture repair specialists, Homeserve Furniture Repairs has become an Industry Partner of the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO). When an organisation joins an Ombudsman Scheme, such as FHIO, they demonstrate ...

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

Mar 04, 2021

Sometimes with the best will in the world we are prevented from delivering on our promises due to circumstances that are seemingly outside of our control. The question we are often asked at the Ombudsman is: how are such matters dealt with in consum...

Nov 11, 2020

With the festive season upon us, and only six weeks to go until the big day ‘Guaranteed in time for Christmas’ is a phrase which consumers usually expect to see on promotional materials. Retailers are likely to be careful about any sweeping statement...

Sep 02, 2020

10 ways to improve reputation and encourage constructive feedback As we discussed in our short webinar today, and in the words of Bill Gates, “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”. The challenge, however, is using your co...

Jul 17, 2020

The Consumer Protection Alliance (CPA) has launched a DIY campaign to make sure that consumers stay safe whilst either attempting home improvement or handing the reins over to someone else. Here are the CPA’s top tips to help ensure that improving yo...

Jul 17, 2020

The landscape of the social environment in which we conduct our business has changed and we find ourselves in a new world of video interaction in a way that was hitherto unprecedented. With government holding cabinet meetings via cloud meetings and c...

Jul 17, 2020

Business's Obligations under Consumer Law As a trader you will have liability arising out of the breach of a term in a contract which you enter into with a consumer even if that term wasn’t specifically stated in it. Confused? Read on… This article o...