The Personal and Occupational Pension Schemes (Pensions Ombudsman) (Procedure) Rules 1995

Notice of requirements in the event of an oral hearing

10.—(1) Where the Pensions Ombudsman considers it appropriate for an oral hearing to be held in connection with any investigation conducted by him, he shall, with due regard to the convenience of the parties to the investigation, fix the time and place of any such hearing and, not less than twenty-one days before the date so fixed (or such shorter time as the parties agree), send to each party a notice of the time and place of such hearing.

(2) The Pensions Ombudsman shall include in or with the notice of hearing

(a) information as to attendance at the hearing of the parties and witnesses, the bringing of documents and the right to representation by another person;

(b) a statement explaining—

(i) the right of any party to the investigation, who does not attend and is not represented, to make representations in writing; and

(ii) the possible consequences of non-attendance.

(3) The Pensions Ombudsman may, if it is necessary in the circumstances, alter the time and place of any oral hearing and he shall give the parties not less than seven days (or such shorter time as the parties agree) notice of any such alteration, provided that any altered hearing date shall not (unless the parties agree) be before the date notified under paragraph (1) of this rule.

(4) Where the Pensions Ombudsman adjourns any oral hearing, providing that the time and place of the reconvening of the hearing are announced before the adjournment, no further notice shall be required.