1(1)The Ombudsman shall be appointed by Her Majesty.
(2)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a person shall hold and vacate office as Ombudsman in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(3)An appointment as Ombudsman may be full-time or part-time.
(4)An appointment as Ombudsman shall be for—
(a)a period of 7 years; or
(b)a period ending on the date on which the person appointed attains the age of 70,
whichever is the shorter.
(5)A person whose term of appointment as Ombudsman expires shall not be eligible for re-appointment.
(6)A person may at any time resign his office as Ombudsman by notice in writing to Her Majesty.
(7)The Secretary of State may call upon the Ombudsman to retire—
(a)in the interests of efficiency or effectiveness; or
(b)if satisfied that the Ombudsman has—
(i)been convicted of a criminal offence; or
(ii)become bankrupt or made a composition or arrangement with his creditors.
(8)Before calling upon the Ombudsman to retire, the Secretary of State shall give the Ombudsman an opportunity to make, either personally or otherwise, representations to him and shall consider any representations that he makes.
(9)An Ombudsman who is called upon to retire under sub-paragraph (7) shall retire on such date as the Secretary of State may specify or on such earlier date as may be agreed between him and the Secretary of State.