What are the possible outcomes of an investigation?

The Ombudsman will investigate the matter thoroughly and fairly. He will act as quickly as possible.  The time taken to complete an investigation will vary according to how complicated it is.  Normally it will be completed within nine months.  We will keep in touch with you and let you know what progress is being made.  If he thinks it appropriate, the Ombudsman can end his investigation at any time

Once his investigation is complete, the Ombudsman may decide that there is no evidence that the code has been broken, or decide that no further action needs to be taken.

If he decides that there is enough evidence to do so, he will send a formal report either to the authority’s standards committee or to the Adjudication Panel for Wales. You might be asked to give evidence to them. They will decide if the code of conduct has been broken and, if so, what penalty to give the member concerned. The maximum penalty is five years’ disqualification from office.