The Office of the Ombudsman participates in Ombudsman Academy training in Athens

The Office of the Ombudsman participates in Ombudsman Academy training in Athens

Published May 17, 2026

Dr Danielle Mallia, Senior Investigating Officer at the Office of the Ombudsman, participated in the fourth educational meeting of the Ombudsman Learning Academy, held in Athens on 4 and 5 June 2026.

The two-day seminar, organised by the Greek Ombudsman in collaboration with the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands and with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Greece, brought together officials from 13 European Ombudsman institutions under the theme ‘Giving Voice to the Voiceless’.

The Ombudsman Learning Academy was established in 2024 by the European Region of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) as a specialised training platform for Ombudsman institutions and their staff. The initiative aims to promote professional development, the exchange of best practices, and cooperation among Ombudsman institutions across Europe. Previous sessions were held in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Slovenia.

The Athens meeting focused on practical tools and approaches used by Ombudsman institutions to reach vulnerable and underrepresented groups and to ensure that their concerns are effectively addressed. Discussions explored the role of large-scale investigations, own-initiative investigations, special reports, on-site visits, outreach activities, and mediation as means of identifying systemic issues and strengthening the protection of rights.

The opening session featured addresses by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Greece, Barbara van Hellemond, the Greek Ombudsman, Andreas Pottakis, and the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands, Reinier van Zutphen. Participants were introduced to approaches developed by the Greek and Dutch Ombudsman institutions, including methodologies for conducting large-scale investigations and engaging with communities through outreach initiatives.

The second day of the Academy featured contributions by two distinguished former Ombudsmen. Sir Robert Behrens, former Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman of the United Kingdom, delivered a presentation entitled “From Blackpool to Kyiv and Back to Bristol: Dilemmas, Challenges and Rewards of Outreach – A British Perspective”. Peter Tyndall, former Ombudsman and Information Commissioner for Ireland, shared his experience on outreach and public engagement through a presentation entitled “Outreach, a Broad Spectrum Approach”.

The programme concluded with a round-table discussion involving Sir Robert Behrens, Peter Tyndall, Reinier van Zutphen and Andreas Pottakis. The discussion examined the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in ensuring that the voices of vulnerable, marginalised and underrepresented groups are heard and reflected in public administration and decision-making.

The Ombudsman Learning Academy continues to provide an important forum for professional exchange and cooperation among European Ombudsman institutions, contributing to the strengthening of independent oversight, good administration, and the protection of rights throughout Europe.