'Ombudsman' is a Swedish word meaning 'citizen's representative' – an independent official who investigates complaints from the public about mal-administration in government. The first parliamentary ombudsman was created in Sweden in 1809. Ukraine’s Ombudsman’s Office was established in December 2014. The Ombudsman is an officer, independent of the government and all political parties. 

The Business Ombudsman investigates complaints concerning alleged acts of corruption and other violations of legitimate interests of businesses by actions or omissions (including decisions) on the part of state and municipal authorities, businesses within the scope of their administration, and their officials.

Contact the Ombudsman if you have a problem with a state and municipal authorities, state-owned/controlled companies or officials that you have been unable to resolve

The Ombudsman shall not investigate complaints arising in the context of private-to-private business relations, nor any matters that are subject to any court or arbitral proceedings or in respect of which a court, arbitral or similar decision was made. Also, the Ombudsman does not review complaints, where, to the extent relevant, the party affected by the alleged business malpractice has not exhausted at least one instance of an administrative appeal process available to such party under applicable legislation and internal rules of the party against whom the complaint is launched.

The Business Ombudsman prepares recommendations for government agencies and uses his authority to ensure such agencies properly implement recommendations in a timely manner. He can also pass the case to Anticorruption bureau and draw attention of the President or Prime Minister to the issue. Where the BOC finds systematic or repeated failure on the part of certain agencies to address issues that negatively affect business in Ukraine, the Business Ombudsman is in a position to bring such issues to the attention of the public, either through periodic BOC reports published on the Council’s website, or through the press.

Preferably, complaints should be filed via the BOC website www.boi.org.ua, but a complaint would also be considered if received in a letter or an e-mail form. The Ombudsman may start an investigation by his own initiative if he learns about cases of alleged business malpractice from the media or any other sources.

Normally, your name and email are necessary in order to address your complaint. Anonymous complaints shall not be investigated unless the Business Ombudsman decides otherwise. All complaint information is kept strictly confidential

No. The Ombudsman’s services are free of charge.