Undertrained FOS staff 'rely on Google' to solve cases

Thousands of cases could be re-opered

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

An investigation into the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) revealed the body undertrains its staff, resulting in them not fully understanding the products customers are complaining about.

Channel 4 programme, Dispatches, which aired on Monday 12 March, painted the FOS in a negative light, suggesting employees were not adequately trained to deal with cases and that people lose out because it's easier to let down a complainant rather than persuade a business of the decision taken. An undercover reporter secretly filmed interviews with FOS employees who admitted to not being fully competent at their jobs. One admitted to googling different products, while another said the customers often know more about the product than the investigators because they are "so invested in thei...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA removes regulatory permissions from advice firm over breaches

FCA removes regulatory permissions from advice firm over breaches

Ups assets restriction and notes unpaid FOS award

Jen Frost
clock 22 December 2025 • 2 min read
 FCA chief: No allegations of Budget leak market abuse so far

FCA chief: No allegations of Budget leak market abuse so far

Told MPs on the Treasury Committee the leak caused serious concern

Alex Sebastian
clock 16 December 2025 • 3 min read
FCA's non-financial misconduct rules 'opaque' over social media activity

FCA's non-financial misconduct rules 'opaque' over social media activity

Lack of definitions and case studies

Cristian Angeloni
clock 16 December 2025 • 2 min read