New Service Delivery Manager for The Furniture Ombudsman
The Furniture Ombudsman is pleased to announce that Jon Walters has joined The Furniture Ombudsman as Service Delivery Manager.
The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) aims to inspire consumer confidence in the furniture and home improvements industries by offering impartial and independent dispute resolution service for both consumers and UK furniture manufacturers and retailers.
Furniture manufacturers and retailers can become members of TFO, offering them benefits from a unique Alternative Dispute Resolution service which is tailored to the furniture and home improvement industry. This means if a consumer is in dispute with a full member of TFO, and they have not been able to resolve a complaint with them, the complaint can be referred to TFO as an independent and nonbiased alternative to the County Court. As a result, disputes are settled as quickly and effectively as possible, with consumers and retailers treated equally. As part of their membership contract, Full Members agree to accept the decisions made by the Ombudsman.
Jon's role will include responsibility for operational delivery and development, existing member and stakeholder relationship management, and also representing the Furniture Ombudsman when meeting prospective members.
Speaking on his new position, Jon said, "I am delighted to be joining the Furniture Ombudsman - it was an exciting opportunity to continue working within the consumer landscape and I had already worked closely with the team during my time at the OFT, where they were a valued stakeholder within the Consumer Direct service. There are many areas that I am keen to explore including improved relationship management with our members, operational innovation and enhanced quality frameworks; however the key is to build upon the strong foundations already in place. I hope to be able to enhance what is an already excellent group of people, and utilise my experiences in both the private and public sector to continue the success of the Furniture Ombudsman and its members".
Before his appointment with TFO, Jon worked with the Office of Fair Trading on the central management team of their Consumer Direct service, in a role that involved operational oversight of the national consumer advice service, and relationship management with central and local government departments (both domestic and international), commercial companies and charity and third sector organisations.
Prior to this Jon worked as an operational lead for a commercial outsourcing provider of customer management on behalf of the East of England Trading Standards Association and Hertfordshire County Council.
Jon specialises in consumer law, and has achieved university qualifications in this area though a combination of training and independent study.
Kevin Grix, Head of The Furniture Ombudsman said, "Jon will play an integral role in ensuring that the Ombudsman continues to deliver a first class service to our members and their consumers."
For more information on The Furniture Ombudsman, visit www.thefurnitureombudsman.org or call or call 0845 653 2064.
