This weekend is the deadline for responses to an independent review of the Insurance Ombudsman Service (formerly Insurance Enquiries and Complaints).

Melbourne-based Allen Consulting Group is conducting the review. Australian Securities and Investments Commission guidelines for external dispute resolution schemes require six criteria to be satisfied including accessibility, independence, fairness, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

The review examines the ombudsman service’s performance in regard to accessibility to consumers, independence and the appointment processes of the board, and effectiveness.