ombudsman

An official appointed to investigate complaints by individuals against public authorities or institutions, acting as an independent and impartial mediator.

• ombudswoman(n)
• ombudsperson(n
• gender-neutral)

• parliamentary ombudsman
• ombudsman's office
• file with the ombudsman
• ombudsman investigation
• banking ombudsman

1. 1.New Zealand was among the first countries to establish a parliamentary ombudsman (1962), giving citizens a channel to challenge government decisions. (public complaints official)
2. 2.The university ombudsman resolved the dispute between the student and the administration without either party needing to go to court. (institutional mediator)

• advocate/ˈædvəkət/— person who supports another's cause
• mediator/ˈmiːdieɪtər/— neutral third party
• commissioner/kəˈmɪʃənər/— official given authority

from Swedish "ombudsman" (representative, agent) — from Old Norse "umboð" (commission, authority) — one commissioned to act for others