The Property Ombudsman (TPO), Christopher Hamer, is to step down later this year, it has been announced.

He will be leaving office on 30th November 2015 after completing the maximum nine years that he is allowed to serve as Ombudsman.

Mr Hamer (left) said, “I have been in the post for many years, have enjoyed it immensely and found working with all the various stakeholder organisations and individuals most rewarding. I don’t have any particular plans at this stage post 30th November but I do hope that in some way I will be able to contribute to developments in the property sector. I hope the next Property Ombudsman finds it as enjoyable and rewarding as I did and I would like to wish them the best of luck.”

The independent TPO Council together with the TPO Board Chairman, Bill McClintock (right), have already begun the search to fill the position.

Mr McClintock said, “Christopher has been a highly effective Ombudman during a time when the scheme has expanded enormously. Both those working with him and in the industry will miss him greatly.”

Meanwhile, Malcolm Cannon, the Chief Executive of lettings agency at Braemore, has been appointed to the board of the recently created The Property Ombudsman (TPO) Scotlandto represent member companies north of the border.

TPO Scotland is an independent scheme and has been launched to ensure industry best practice through its new and approved Codes of Practice. Members of TPO Scotland must adhere to the Codes, while their customers have access to a robust dispute resolution process if things go wrong.

Having already attracted more than 500 estate agencies and lettings firms as members since launching in on 1st March 2015, Mr Cannon now wants to do more to help encourage people to seek out TPO Scotland agencies.

He said, “It is imperative that good lettings businesses, providing high quality and reliable customer service, are not damaged by the rogue agents and non-compliant landlords acting at the edges of acceptable practice and it is equally important that members of the public are made aware of what standards they can expect.”

Christopher Hamer, Ombudsman, added: “Malcolm’s drive and determination to promote best practice and responsible estate and lettings agencies makes him a very welcome member of our board. The property market is changing and it is vital that the Ombudsman scheme stays relevant and in touch with the agents at the coalface of the sector. Malcolm’s insights will be important as we move forward with new legislation on the near horizon.”