The Ombudswoman
Providing unbiased help
Click here for details of the Ombudswoman’s office hours (in German).
| Independence | 1. | The Ombudsman/-woman is chosen by the City Council of Heidelberg for a period of three years. The post is a voluntary one and is completely independent of the city administration. |
| Responsibilities | 2. | The Ombudsman/-woman is responsible for citizens of Heidelberg. He/She deals with complaints and requests from citizens in relation to a department of Heidelberg City Administration. Members of the public can contact the Ombudsman/-woman at any stage of a decision-making process by the city administration. The Ombudsman/-woman is not entitled to intervene in legal disputes. |
| Powers | 3. | The Ombudsman/-woman is entitled to inspect files without restriction. The city administration has a duty of disclosure to the Ombudsman/-woman. |
| Confidentiality | 4. | Citizens’ details are not disclosed to the administration if they do not wish so. |
| Regular reporting | 5. | At least once annually, the Ombudsman/-woman must submit a report on his or her activities to the City Council of the City of Heidelberg. |