The DWP are launching a combined recruitment exercise to fill the roles of pensions ombudsman and the part-time role of deputy ombudsman by autumn 2015.
Investigating pension complaints between members of pension schemes and scheme administrators, the roles of ombudsman and deputy ombudsman are appointed by the secretary of state for Work and Pensions and are combined with the separate roles of pension protection fund ombudsman and deputy pension protection fund ombudsman.
Current ombudsman, Tony King, will step down from the role in spring 2015 and deputy ombudsman, Jane Irvine, will follow shortly after, stepping down from her role in the autumn.
Hoping to ensure a smooth transition, both King and Irvine will remain in their posts until replacements can start.
Appointed in 2007, King has been in the role for eight years having served two terms as pensions ombudsman whilst Irvine has been deputy ombudsman for five years.
Minister for Pensions, Steve Webb said: “I am grateful to Tony for the impact he has made on performance since he took up office back in 2007.
“He has successfully led the office through a period of change as it modernised its working methods and IT systems.”
He added: “I also want to thank Jane for the hard work she has put into the deputy ombudsman role, and in particular for her flexibility towards her workload which greatly helped the office deliver on its targets.”