[2] Unusually for UK Ombudsmen, the Pensions Ombudsman's determinations are binding on the parties and enforceable in the County Court.

He was also President of the Adjudication Panel for England, a body which dealt with allegations about the conduct of members of local authorities.

The first holder of the post was Charlie Gordon, a barrister and Senior Inspector of Taxes who was previously head of the Adjudicator's Office.

Jane Irvine was succeeded by Karen Johnston, a barrister who was previously Strategy Lawyer at the Pensions Regulator.

[3] In May 2015 Tony King was succeeded by Anthony Arter, a solicitor and former police officer who was Eversheds LLP London Senior Partner and Head of Pensions.

There have also been criticisms of the appeal process, which involves the cost of action in the higher courts, and the legalistic approach to casework.