7 July 2008

We are saddened to learn of the death of Ian Smith – a member of our Ombudsman Team.  Ian was the first Surveyors Ombudsman and played a vital role in the foundation of the Surveyors Ombudsman Service. 

Ian is a solicitor and has completed terms in Local Government in roles as Chief Executive of Clackmannan District Council, Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council. He has a wide experience of the service provided by Reporters and Children's Panels and their relationship with social work, education and health services, police and the criminal justice system. Formerly the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland, Ian was appointed Convenor of the Water Customer Consultation Panels in October 2002 for a three year term. In addition he was appointed Convenor of Waterwatch Scotland by Scottish Ministers in October 2005, again for a three year term.

Ian is a Governor of Glasgow Caledonian University a member of the Appointments Committee of the General Dental Council and a Board Member for the administration of the Scottish Children's Reporter. Ian also undertakes investigations for Local Authorities and Non Departmental Public Bodies on governance, disciplinary and service failure and has acted as an external assessor in the appointment of senior managers in public administration and higher education in Scotland.

Ian had been the Ombudsman for the pilot Surveyors Ombudsman scheme which operated in Scotland from January 2004.