Latest News
The Ombuds Group announces the acquisition of Consumer Friend, an independent provider of consumer advice, advocacy and business training. Consumer Friend will officially join The Ombuds Group as of the 1st July. This strategic move marks an importa...
What are your legal rights when returning goods and trying to claim your money back? When the rush of the festive season is over, the January sales present a further opportunity to hit the shops, whether online or in person. For some it’s an opportun...
New research ¹ reveals that more than a third of UK shoppers (36%) plan to do the majority of their festive shopping online this year and almost a quarter (22%) plan to take advantage of sales/discounts to help manage the costs of Christmas. Here are...
This year, Black Friday falls on November 29 and it's expected that more consumers than ever will be hunting for deals ahead of Christmas. According to consumer protection law, buyers have the right to trust the information and claims made by sellers...
Topps Tiles, one of the ‘UK's leading tile and flooring retailers’, has registered with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), underscoring their ongoing dedication to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair trade. This affiliat...
With the approach of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, numerous individuals will be embarking on home improvement endeavours. Whilst DIY enthusiasts often overlook the legal implications of mishaps, it's crucial to consider various key aspects to guar...
Who is a Consumer and why does it matter? With the rise of conscious consumerism making consumers more discerning than ever before, making purchasing decisions influenced by sustainability, value for money and ethical choices, putting the consumer an...
Following an extensive market survey and competitive tender process, Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) has been appointed as the Consumer Council for Water’s (CCW) new Adjudication provider to resolve disputes that cannot be settled via mediation. T...
As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, many will be turning their hand to home improvements. For proficient DIY enthusiasts, there’s seldom thought given to legal mishaps, but there are several important factors to consider when preparing for...
GDPR Five Years On 25th May 2023 marks the 5th Anniversary of the once greatly anticipated EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)– a milestone in data protection law and regulation and a mind shift for organisations who process our personal dat...
The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman, (FHIO) has appointed new members from B & Q, DFS, Tapi Carpets and the British Association of Removers (BAR) respectively, to its Standards Board. Chaired by Dr Richard Kirkham from the University...
How to get it right first time (and what to do if something goes wrong). ‘Tis the season and with Christmas shopping at the forefront of our minds, Black Friday sales behind us and the traditional January bargain-hunt on the horizon; many are lookin...
Furniture and flooring retailer invests in consumer protection as they strengthen their digital and omnichannel shopping approach. One of the UK’s largest retailers of upholstered furniture and floorings, ScS has joined the Furniture & Home Impr...
As we're in the summer sales season, how does a consumer know that the Price is Right? Research from YouGov indicates that 58% of global shoppers increased their expenditure for seasonal events in the past 12 months which means that now, more than ev...
Q: Is it ever reasonable for a retailer to insist on a repair to a minor defect which is reported on delivery? A: It is a truth universally acknowledged that the issue of minor defects gives rise to major debate. There are differences of opinion re...
With the summer months, Bank Holiday and Jubilee weekends approaching, many will be focussing on their gardens and outdoor living to mark these occasions and make the most of the better weather ahead. This is usually the time of year when complaints ...
Can the predicted lifespan of furniture be calculated? What consequence does this have when retailers calculate partial refunds for items such as sofas, mattresses and soft furnishings that haven’t stood the test of time? Furniture purchases are typ...
The Judicial/ADR Liaison Committee, facilitated by Dispute Resolution Ombudsman and Civil Mediation Council have launched an Undergraduate ADR Essay Writing Competition to allow law undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a career in ADR to gai...
A huge rise in sales is predicted on Black Friday this year, which takes place on 26 November despite some retailers being affected by ongoing supply shortages, a lack of lorry drivers and high shipping costs. In recent years many businesses have be...
To celebrate Rosie’s promotion to Lead Ombudsman of the Rail Ombudsman we sat down with her to find out more about her and her role. How long have you been with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DROL) I joined the then Furniture Ombudsman (TFO now F...
Please find below the link to DROL's response to the MOJ's call for evidence View response...
Please find below the link to DROL's response to the BEIS's reforming competition and consumer policy consultation View response...
The Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) is delighted to have been reappointed for a second term by TrustMark, the home improvement industry’s only Government endorsed quality scheme.Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (which also operates the Furniture &...
Firstly, tell us more about your role at the Ombudsman? I’ve been with the Ombudsman for over five years and joined after completing two work experience placements, the first in year ten and the second, once I’d finished my A-levels. I applied for w...
Bed retailer joins Ombudsman amidst business growth. Three-store independent Land of Beds has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) and in doing so has highlighted responsible business practice and demonstrated their ongoing co...
The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) has joined the chorus of support from the Competition and Markets Authority, Which? and Citizens Advice in response to the Government’s proposed strengthening of consumer protection and the steps to...
Five representatives from the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) and Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) are taking on the notorious Tough Mudder obstacle course this summer in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Step 2 It campai...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Jikoni Interiors has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) giving their customers greater confidence and additional protection. The independent, not-for profit and government approved Ombudsman scheme has offered a range of se...
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 ...
It is a truth universally acknowledged that obligations to ensure an installation project conforms to the plethora of legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure their safety, but there are some practical things consumers can do to ensure th...
A: Vulnerability can manifest in many ways and it is hard to define what makes one consumer more vulnerable than another and how their rights may vary. The first question which requires attention is, therefore, can you identify your vulnerable custom...
Latest News
See all members
The Ombuds Group announces the acquisition of Consumer Friend, an independent provider of consumer advice, advocacy and business training. Consumer Friend will officially join The Ombuds Group as of the 1st July. This strategic move marks an importa...
What are your legal rights when returning goods and trying to claim your money back? When the rush of the festive season is over, the January sales present a further opportunity to hit the shops, whether online or in person. For some it’s an opportun...
New research ¹ reveals that more than a third of UK shoppers (36%) plan to do the majority of their festive shopping online this year and almost a quarter (22%) plan to take advantage of sales/discounts to help manage the costs of Christmas. Here are...
This year, Black Friday falls on November 29 and it's expected that more consumers than ever will be hunting for deals ahead of Christmas. According to consumer protection law, buyers have the right to trust the information and claims made by sellers...
Topps Tiles, one of the ‘UK's leading tile and flooring retailers’, has registered with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), underscoring their ongoing dedication to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair trade. This affiliat...
With the approach of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, numerous individuals will be embarking on home improvement endeavours. Whilst DIY enthusiasts often overlook the legal implications of mishaps, it's crucial to consider various key aspects to guar...
Who is a Consumer and why does it matter? With the rise of conscious consumerism making consumers more discerning than ever before, making purchasing decisions influenced by sustainability, value for money and ethical choices, putting the consumer an...
Following an extensive market survey and competitive tender process, Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) has been appointed as the Consumer Council for Water’s (CCW) new Adjudication provider to resolve disputes that cannot be settled via mediation. T...
As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, many will be turning their hand to home improvements. For proficient DIY enthusiasts, there’s seldom thought given to legal mishaps, but there are several important factors to consider when preparing for...
GDPR Five Years On 25th May 2023 marks the 5th Anniversary of the once greatly anticipated EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)– a milestone in data protection law and regulation and a mind shift for organisations who process our personal dat...
The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman, (FHIO) has appointed new members from B & Q, DFS, Tapi Carpets and the British Association of Removers (BAR) respectively, to its Standards Board. Chaired by Dr Richard Kirkham from the University...
How to get it right first time (and what to do if something goes wrong). ‘Tis the season and with Christmas shopping at the forefront of our minds, Black Friday sales behind us and the traditional January bargain-hunt on the horizon; many are lookin...
Furniture and flooring retailer invests in consumer protection as they strengthen their digital and omnichannel shopping approach. One of the UK’s largest retailers of upholstered furniture and floorings, ScS has joined the Furniture & Home Impr...
As we're in the summer sales season, how does a consumer know that the Price is Right? Research from YouGov indicates that 58% of global shoppers increased their expenditure for seasonal events in the past 12 months which means that now, more than ev...
Q: Is it ever reasonable for a retailer to insist on a repair to a minor defect which is reported on delivery? A: It is a truth universally acknowledged that the issue of minor defects gives rise to major debate. There are differences of opinion re...
With the summer months, Bank Holiday and Jubilee weekends approaching, many will be focussing on their gardens and outdoor living to mark these occasions and make the most of the better weather ahead. This is usually the time of year when complaints ...
Can the predicted lifespan of furniture be calculated? What consequence does this have when retailers calculate partial refunds for items such as sofas, mattresses and soft furnishings that haven’t stood the test of time? Furniture purchases are typ...
The Judicial/ADR Liaison Committee, facilitated by Dispute Resolution Ombudsman and Civil Mediation Council have launched an Undergraduate ADR Essay Writing Competition to allow law undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a career in ADR to gai...
A huge rise in sales is predicted on Black Friday this year, which takes place on 26 November despite some retailers being affected by ongoing supply shortages, a lack of lorry drivers and high shipping costs. In recent years many businesses have be...
To celebrate Rosie’s promotion to Lead Ombudsman of the Rail Ombudsman we sat down with her to find out more about her and her role. How long have you been with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DROL) I joined the then Furniture Ombudsman (TFO now F...
Please find below the link to DROL's response to the MOJ's call for evidence View response...
Please find below the link to DROL's response to the BEIS's reforming competition and consumer policy consultation View response...
The Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) is delighted to have been reappointed for a second term by TrustMark, the home improvement industry’s only Government endorsed quality scheme.Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (which also operates the Furniture &...
Firstly, tell us more about your role at the Ombudsman? I’ve been with the Ombudsman for over five years and joined after completing two work experience placements, the first in year ten and the second, once I’d finished my A-levels. I applied for w...
Bed retailer joins Ombudsman amidst business growth. Three-store independent Land of Beds has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) and in doing so has highlighted responsible business practice and demonstrated their ongoing co...
The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) has joined the chorus of support from the Competition and Markets Authority, Which? and Citizens Advice in response to the Government’s proposed strengthening of consumer protection and the steps to...
Five representatives from the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) and Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) are taking on the notorious Tough Mudder obstacle course this summer in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Step 2 It campai...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Jikoni Interiors has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) giving their customers greater confidence and additional protection. The independent, not-for profit and government approved Ombudsman scheme has offered a range of se...
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 ...
It is a truth universally acknowledged that obligations to ensure an installation project conforms to the plethora of legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure their safety, but there are some practical things consumers can do to ensure th...
A: Vulnerability can manifest in many ways and it is hard to define what makes one consumer more vulnerable than another and how their rights may vary. The first question which requires attention is, therefore, can you identify your vulnerable custom...
Latest Blogs
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...
With spring upon us, many will be turning to garden upgrades and make-overs as the weather improves. Hard and soft landscaping will add texture, character and structure to outside spaces, with rewards to be reaped by summer once the grounds are in fu...
As a follow-up to some training delivered to a registered business, we have been asked to provide some additional insight into the impact that the passage of time can have on a consumer’s claim about goods. Whilst the right to reject was maintained w...
Tune in to gain insights into what an ombudsman is, what they can do for you and what our service offers to businesses and consumers alike. Consumer Friend/DRO Podcast ...
With much of the current policy-thinking centered on integrating what used to be termed “alternative” dispute resolution within the court system, it is more important than ever to remember that there are forms of dispute resolution that do not requir...
With royal fever sweeping across the country to mark the coronation of King Charles III, one question that has been raised with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), is the status of Royal Warrants and what they mean for and to consume...
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 consume...
In an age where corporate culture and values have shifted following the worldwide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has had to adapt to transformative new ways of working by using modern tools, platforms and proces...
Where an agreement cannot be reached, or conflicting evidence is submitted at the conciliation process, which is the first stage of the process at the FHIO and DRO, a case will move to adjudication. In this instance we may send an independent to look...
When an application is received from a consumer, detailing a complaint against one of our members, the claim is investigated through our conciliation process. Our conciliation process guides both parties through the dispute, requesting evidence from ...
It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are many obligations on businesses to ensure an installation project conforms to the plethora of legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure their safety, but there are also some practical th...
It’s not what I expected! It took longer than I was expecting! I felt that they ignored me! The service I received made me feel my issues were insignificant…. In our experience expectations and emotions often dictate the customer journey more so than...
· New research highlights that one in ten UK adults (11%), intend to spend money on moving home over the next year. · This is despite the recent boom as the stamp duty holiday deadline approaches in September, where many have already upped sticks. ...
There are five steps consumers can take to ensure their home improvement project goes as smoothly as possible: 1. Buy from a trader who is a member of an ADR scheme When it comes to home improvement, it is not just about what you buy, it’s also about...
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 ...
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...
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 Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Pr...
For over a century, International Women’s Day, held on 8 March each year has marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world. To celebrate, Deputy Chief Ombudsman at the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, Judith ...
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...
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...
The Consumer Protection Alliance (CPA) has launched a new 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 improvin...
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...
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...
Whilst an Ombudsman is a key part of the ADR landscape, there are certain features of an Ombudsman scheme that differentiates it from other ADR models. This is particularly the case in private sector schemes which offer a genuine alternative to court...
In this article, we explore your legal rights when returning goods and trying to claim your money back. When the rush of the festive season is over, the January sales present a further opportunity to hit the shops. For some it is an opportunity to r...
Faced with a potentially huge selection of furniture, it is easy to see how consumers get confused and find it difficult to make the right choices. Furniture sellers themselves recognise the concept of buyer fatigue which can occur even more so when ...
Latest Blogs
See all blogs
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...
With spring upon us, many will be turning to garden upgrades and make-overs as the weather improves. Hard and soft landscaping will add texture, character and structure to outside spaces, with rewards to be reaped by summer once the grounds are in fu...
As a follow-up to some training delivered to a registered business, we have been asked to provide some additional insight into the impact that the passage of time can have on a consumer’s claim about goods. Whilst the right to reject was maintained w...
Tune in to gain insights into what an ombudsman is, what they can do for you and what our service offers to businesses and consumers alike. Consumer Friend/DRO Podcast ...
With much of the current policy-thinking centered on integrating what used to be termed “alternative” dispute resolution within the court system, it is more important than ever to remember that there are forms of dispute resolution that do not requir...
With royal fever sweeping across the country to mark the coronation of King Charles III, one question that has been raised with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), is the status of Royal Warrants and what they mean for and to consume...
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 consume...
In an age where corporate culture and values have shifted following the worldwide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has had to adapt to transformative new ways of working by using modern tools, platforms and proces...
Where an agreement cannot be reached, or conflicting evidence is submitted at the conciliation process, which is the first stage of the process at the FHIO and DRO, a case will move to adjudication. In this instance we may send an independent to look...
When an application is received from a consumer, detailing a complaint against one of our members, the claim is investigated through our conciliation process. Our conciliation process guides both parties through the dispute, requesting evidence from ...
It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are many obligations on businesses to ensure an installation project conforms to the plethora of legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure their safety, but there are also some practical th...
It’s not what I expected! It took longer than I was expecting! I felt that they ignored me! The service I received made me feel my issues were insignificant…. In our experience expectations and emotions often dictate the customer journey more so than...
· New research highlights that one in ten UK adults (11%), intend to spend money on moving home over the next year. · This is despite the recent boom as the stamp duty holiday deadline approaches in September, where many have already upped sticks. ...
There are five steps consumers can take to ensure their home improvement project goes as smoothly as possible: 1. Buy from a trader who is a member of an ADR scheme When it comes to home improvement, it is not just about what you buy, it’s also about...
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 ...
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...
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 Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Pr...
For over a century, International Women’s Day, held on 8 March each year has marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world. To celebrate, Deputy Chief Ombudsman at the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, Judith ...
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...
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...
The Consumer Protection Alliance (CPA) has launched a new 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 improvin...
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...
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...
Whilst an Ombudsman is a key part of the ADR landscape, there are certain features of an Ombudsman scheme that differentiates it from other ADR models. This is particularly the case in private sector schemes which offer a genuine alternative to court...
In this article, we explore your legal rights when returning goods and trying to claim your money back. When the rush of the festive season is over, the January sales present a further opportunity to hit the shops. For some it is an opportunity to r...
Faced with a potentially huge selection of furniture, it is easy to see how consumers get confused and find it difficult to make the right choices. Furniture sellers themselves recognise the concept of buyer fatigue which can occur even more so when ...
