Annual report 2002 - EOI

PUBLIC RELATIONS 245
receives. He then explained his work to an audience of 18 people, including MEPs,
members of voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations and representatives
of the Confederation of British Industry and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
London
On 29 May, Mr SÖDERMAN held a series of meetings in London, starting with a brief
discussion with the Head of the Commission Representation, Geoffrey MARTIN. He was
accompanied by his Internet and Communications Officer, Ben HAGARD and his Press
Officer, Rosita AGNEW.
He then met with representatives of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux,
including Fernando RUZ, Policy Officer in the Chief Executive’s Office, Ruth
BAMFORD, Head of Consumer Rights and Ruth Hancock and Valerie WADSWORTH,
Information officers. Nicoletta FLESSATI, Head of the Information Support Unit at the
Commission’s representation also attended the meeting. The meeting offered a useful
opportunity to exchange views on how best to inform citizens about their rights under EU
law.
On 30 May, the Ombudsman’s Internet and Communications Officer, Ben HAGARD and
Press Officer, Rosita AGNEW visited the office of the European Parliament in London
where they met with Asad BEG from the Public Affairs unit. Mr BEG outlined the activities
undertaken by the Parliament office to inform UK citizens about the EU and proposed
ways to increase awareness of the work of the Ombudsman in the UK.
Mr Söderman and Ms Rosita Agnew exchanging views with Valerie Wadsworth and
Fernando Ruz of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux on 29 May.
BIOA Managers’ Group Training Seminar
On 8 November, Rosita AGNEW attended a training seminar organised by the British and
Irish Ombudsman Association. Around 60 people from ombudsman offices in the UK and
Ireland attended the seminar, including deputy ombudsmen, communication officers and
case handlers. The seminar was divided into two sessions, the first entitled Dealing with
the Media and the second entitled Alternative (Appropriate) Dispute Resolution (ADR).