Decision Status of the Decision
The National Ombudsman's decision is not legally enforceable: it is up to the administrative authority to decide what action, if any, should be taken in the light of it and of the report generally. That is the difference between a decision of the National Ombudsman and a judgment handed down by a court. The fact that the National Ombudsman's decision is not legally enforceable means that the quality of his work is all the more important, since it forms the essential basis for his authority and hence for the effectiveness of his work. It is vital, therefore, not only that the investigation of the facts should be carried out conscientiously, but also that it should produce conclusions that are beyond dispute, and that the decision and any recommendation are persuasive. The persuasiveness of the decision and any recommendation will depend in particular on the quality of the reasons given for the decision. This aspect is of particular importance because there is no right of appeal against a decision given by the National Ombudsman. Experience shows, however, that the National Ombudsman's decisions tend to carry great authority.