Judith Turner is the Deputy Ombudsman at Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, helping to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). In this episode of The Complaining Cow Consumer Show the East London Radio consumer rights expert Helen Dewdney talks to Judith about the role of an ombudsman, how ADR works, common consumer complaints and what happens when disputes cannot be resolved directly with a business. Topics discussed include complaint handling, rail passenger accessibility, dispute resolution challenges and the future of ombudsman services within the UK consumer redress system.
Judith Turner Dispute Resolution Deputy Chief Ombudsman
Judith read Law at King’s College London for three years before graduating with honours in 1998. She then went on to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a training contract before qualifying as a solicitor in 2001. She was previously employed by a City Law firm, practising in Commercial Law. Judith joined the Ombudsman in 2011 and now specialises in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Since her appointment, she has written and presented a wide variety of accredited training courses on Consumer Law and Compliance tailored to the sectors within which the Ombudsman operates. Judith is a regular speaker at industry and ombudsman conferences and events. Judith is the current Chair of the Ombudsman Association Policy Network and serves as a member of the Civil Justice Council’s ADR Liaison Panel. She has written extensively on ADR and consumer issues and the co-author of the Ombudsman content for Atkins Court Forms.
Dispute resolution Ombudsman schemes
The Dispute Resolution Ombudsman Limited, is an independent, not-for-profit, government approved voluntary Ombudsman scheme, incorporating The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman and Rail Ombudsman providing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for the rail, retail, furniture and home improvement sectors. It offers ADR training and advice to retailers and consumers and are a voluntary scheme set up by the Office of Fair Trading in 1992, working to protect consumers’ rights and promote fair trade.
Judith Turner Dispute Resolution Deputy Chief Ombudsman on The Complaining Cow Consumer Show
Judith Turner Dispute Resolution Deputy Chief Ombudsman
Social media links for Ombudsman schemes run by The Dispute Resolution Ombudsman
Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman LinkedIn
Dispute Resolution Ombudsman LinkedIn
More information about Ombudsmen
This interview forms part of The Complaining Cow’s wider coverage of ADR, ombudsman services and consumer dispute resolution across multiple sectors including transport, retail and utilities. ADR and Ombudsman investigations timeline.
I regularly comment in the media on consumer rights, complaints, ADR and ombudsman systems. Media appearances and speaker information can be found on the media and speaker pages.
15 November 2018 – Westminster Business Forum
Helen Dewdney presented at the Westminster Business Forum on alternative dispute resolution (ADR), outlining concerns around monitoring and oversight within the sector, including the risks for both businesses and consumers if unsuitable providers are allowed to continue.
In this video, Helen explains the key issues raised during her presentation.
How approval bodies are failing to properly approve and monitor Alternative Dispute Resolution -
About Helen Dewdney, The Complaining Cow
Helen Dewdney is a consumer rights expert, author and media commentator. She regularly appears on television, radio and in the press discussing consumer rights, customer service, complaints, scams, money saving and personal finance.
Helen has also worked extensively on alternative dispute resolution (ADR), ombudsman schemes and consumer redress, contributing to consultations, investigations and industry discussions on improving consumer protection.
Watch Helen’s television and radio appearances, including BBC interviews discussing consumer rights and ombudsman services, on the Media page.
See below for one of Helen’s appearances on Rip Off Britain discussing the ombudsman.
Rip Off Britain talking getting redress with independent reports and ombudsmen
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker on consumer rights, complaints, customer service, consumer behaviour or alternative dispute resolution (ADR), find out more about booking Helen for conferences, business events and training.
East London Radio The Complaining Cow Consumer Show
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