TPO announces new Property Ombudsman, Katrine Sporle CBE.

From 1 November 2015, Katrine Sporle CBE will take up the role of Ombudsman at The Property Ombudsman, taking over from her predecessor Christopher Hamer, whose nine year term comes to an end on 30th November.

Previously, Katrine Sporle was Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate for England and Wales (2003-2011), which involved being responsible for all aspects of the Government Executive Agency, 1000 members of staff and a £60m budget.

She was directly answerable to Parliament and regularly reported to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (CLG), and the Minister for Housing and Planning in the National Assembly for Wales. “The scope for influence on the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the nation as a whole was enormous, and exercised through impartiality of decision making to the highest level of professional expertise” comments Katrine Sporle.

Prior to that, Katrine was Chief Executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for eight years, controlling an overall budget of circa £58m. She provided inspirational leadership to develop the potential of the Borough as a whole, gaining a reputation for economic, cultural and social success.

Katrine Sporle’s role as the new Property Ombudsman is to impartially review complaints made by members of the public against agents, based on the evidence submitted. The aim is to promote a resolution in full and final settlement of a complaint. Where the Ombudsman is satisfied that the actions of an agent have disadvantaged a complainant, and taking into account relevant parts of the TPO Codes of Practice, she will determine appropriate redress.

Upon appointment of the new Property Ombudsman, Lord Richard Best OBE, Chairman of the TPO Council since 2009, commented “Selecting our Ombudsman is a key responsibility of the independent TPO Council and we are truly delighted to have secured someone with the breadth and depth of experience – at local and national levels – which Katrine brings to this role.

Christopher Hamer is a very hard act to follow; but I am confident we have found a great successor. I know all TPO’s members and well-wishers will join me in extending the warmest of welcomes to Katrine when she starts in November.”

Bill McClintock, Board Chairman of The Property Ombudsman Scheme added: ‘I welcome Katrine Sporle as the new Ombudsman and endorse Lord Best’s comments. I believe her broad employment background will be a huge benefit in performing her new role.’

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 05/12/23

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Stafford Railway Building Society partners with climate and energy Proptech PropEco UK-based lender The Stafford Railway Building Society (SRBS) has partnered with leading climate-tech company PropEco, enhancing its ability to assess energy performance and anticipate the potential impacts of climate change across its mortgage portfolio. Through the partnership, PropEco will…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 04/12/23

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   OnTheMarket has a new owner CoStar Group who looks to become the UK’s number one property portal With more than nine out of every ten existing shareholders in OnTheMarket, the present third largest property portal in the UK, voting to accept the sale of…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove 2024 forecast: prices to drop by 1% as competition increases among sellers

Rightmove predicts that average new seller asking prices will be 1% lower nationally by the end of 2024, as the market continues its transition to more normal levels of activity following the frenetic post-pandemic period.  Motivated sellers are likely to have to price more competitively to secure a buyer in 2024, and agents will work…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Pflugerville, TX: Emerging Trends in New Home Construction

The Rise of Sustainable Living in Pflugerville Nestled in the heart of Texas, Pflugerville is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable living in new home construction. Builders and developers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. This trend is not just a nod to environmental consciousness but also a response to the growing…
Read More
Home and Living

How to Choose the Best Shower Cabin For Your Budget

If you are looking for the best shower cabin to fit your budget, then allow us to be a guide on this shopping adventure! Whether you’re looking to invest in something luxurious and timeless or something more affordable and modern, it can be daunting knowing where even to start. Fortunately, we have all the key…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 01/12/2023

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Full material Information Guidance B & C published by NTSELAT all you need to know New guidance for sales and letting agents covers all three phases of programme Aim is to help agents to meet their existing legal requirements under the CPRs Material information guides…
Read More