Homepage - Dispute Resolution Ombudsman

Inspiring Consumer Confidence
Since 1992

We are an independent, not-for-profit, government approved organisation set up to help resolve disputes and raise standards.

Our highly-trained staff provide impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to consumers and businesses, helping both sides reach a fair and reasonable outcome, which is binding on our members.

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How the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman works

Online Training Courses for businesses

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Our webinars and training courses are designed to address and examine topics that members face on a regular basis. They draw on 25 years of knowledge and review real life examples and casestudies, to give clear guidance and confidence to teams and individuals so they can implement improvements to their processes.

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Our articles, blogs and publications cover a range of topics for members, stakeholders and consumers.

19th September, 2024

Topps Tiles, one of the ‘UK's leading tile and flooring retailers’, has registered with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), underscoring their ongoing dedication to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair trade. This affiliat...

22nd July, 2024

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has announced the appointment of Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) as the new provider of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service for Accredited contractor and designer members. This mo...

28th March, 2024

With the approach of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, numerous individuals will be embarking on home improvement endeavours. Whilst DIY enthusiasts often overlook the legal implications of mishaps, it's crucial to consider various key aspects to guar...

14th March, 2024

Who is a Consumer and why does it matter? With the rise of conscious consumerism making consumers more discerning than ever before, making purchasing decisions influenced by sustainability, value for money and ethical choices, putting the consumer an...

4th December, 2023

Following an extensive market survey and competitive tender process, Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) has been appointed as the Consumer Council for Water’s (CCW) new Adjudication provider to resolve disputes that cannot be settled via mediation. T...

21st August, 2023

As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, many will be turning their hand to home improvements. For proficient DIY enthusiasts, there’s seldom thought given to legal mishaps, but there are several important factors to consider when planning a pr...

Our articles, blogs and publications cover a range of topics for members, stakeholders and consumers.

Mar 28, 2024

With spring upon us, many will be turning to garden upgrades and make-overs as the weather improves. Hard and soft landscaping will add texture, character and structure to outside spaces, with rewards to be reaped by summer once the grounds are in fu...

Feb 08, 2024

As a follow-up to some training delivered to a registered business, we have been asked to provide some additional insight into the impact that the passage of time can have on a consumer’s claim about goods. Whilst the right to reject was maintained w...

Feb 01, 2024

Tune in to gain insights into what an ombudsman is, what they can do for you and what our service offers to businesses and consumers alike. Consumer Friend/DRO Podcast ...

Oct 12, 2023

With much of the current policy-thinking centered on integrating what used to be termed “alternative” dispute resolution within the court system, it is more important than ever to remember that there are forms of dispute resolution that do not requir...

May 04, 2023

With royal fever sweeping across the country to mark the coronation of King Charles III, one question that has been raised with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), is the status of Royal Warrants and what they mean for and to consume...

May 23, 2022

In an age where corporate culture and values have shifted following the worldwide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has had to adapt to transformative new ways of working by using modern tools, platforms and proces...