The Office for Legal Complaints (OLC) has today announced the appointment of Phil Cain as the Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO) new Chief Ombudsman, following approval from the Ministry of Justice.
The OLC Board appointed Phil following an open and competitive recruitment process. He brings a wealth of experience in organisational transformation and efficiency, regulation and stakeholder engagement.
Phil joins LeO from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), where he currently serves as the Executive Director, overseeing the transformation of operational delivery with responsibility for driving measurable performance improvements in regulation, licensing, and enforcement.
Prior to joining the GLAA, Phil served as the Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police for over 20 years. He spent the preceding decade working for the Royal Air Force. Phil will join LeO in February 2026.
Elisabeth Davies, Chair of the OLC, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Phil as our new Chief Ombudsman. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to public service set him apart in a highly competitive field, alongside his clear vision and collaborative leadership style.
“Phil joins LeO at a pivotal moment, as we continue to focus on enhancing the experience of those who rely on legal services at a time of significantly increasing demand for LeO’s help. I’m confident that under his guidance, LeO will build on its strong foundations, driving operational improvements and delivering valuable insights.
“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Steve Pearson and David Peckham, LeO’s joint interim Chief Executives, for their continuing leadership and support throughout this transition.”
Phil Cain said:
“I am honoured to be appointed Chief Ombudsman and grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience to an organisation that plays such a vital role in upholding trust and confidence in legal services. The work of LeO is central to ensuring fairness and accountability, and I am committed to building on the important progress it has already made.
“I look forward to working closely with the OLC, LeO colleagues, and partners across the sector to understand what is working well and how LeO can transform to a service enabled to deliver its vital role at a time when more consumers are turning to it for support.
“By listening, learning, and collaborating, we can strengthen the quality and timeliness of resolution, enhance transparency, and ensure that those who rely on legal services receive the best possible experience.”
Phil Cain biography
Phil brings over 37 years of public service experience to the role of Chief Ombudsman. He began his career in the Royal Air Force, serving nearly 13 years and earning the General Service Medal with two bars for his service in Northern Ireland and Iraq.
After joining North Yorkshire Police in 2001, Phil progressed through a series of senior and executive roles, including Deputy Chief Constable. He led complex investigations, oversaw professional standards and public protection, and managed a multi-million-pound transformation programme integrating business support functions across North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services. As the National Police Chief’s Council lead for Workforce Representation & Diversity, Phil developed national initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion within UK policing. His distinguished service was recognised with the King’s Police Medal in 2022.
Most recently, Phil served as Executive Director at the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority, where he led a successful transformation of UK-wide operational delivery, improving services for vulnerable workers and advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation. Phil is a committed advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace.
Notes to editors
