Alex Oram

After graduating from Reading University with a 2:1 in Modern International Relations, Alex went to work as a theatrical agent with Dance Attic Productions. In 1997 he became managing director of the Essential Agency, a London based theatrical agency that provided dancers, singers, choreographers and presenters for film, television and the stage.
In 2000, Alex started a second career, initially as deputy to the Corporate Complaints Manager at the London Borough of Lambeth. In 2003 he moved to Standards for England where, as its principal investigator, he carried out the more complex, sensitive and high-profile investigations into councillor conduct. Alex also advised and engaged with numerous local authorities in order to improve the implementation of the local standards framework.
In 2011 Alex, along with Jon, co-founded ch&i associates. Since then, Alex has conducted over 300 independent investigations into complaints about the conduct of their members (or members of associated Town and Parish Councils) under the Localism Act. Alex has also advised and delivered training for numerous local authorities on the Member Code of Conduct, complaint handling and investigative practice; as well as serving as the Independent Person for South Norfolk District Council, North Norfolk District Council and the Borough of Great Yarmouth.
In addition to the above, Alex has served as an Independent Complaint Reviewer for the Charity Commission (2011-2013), The General Medical Council (2018-2021), The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (2018-2021) and the National Archives (2018-present). And since 2013, has assisted Jon in his work as Independent Complaint assessor for the Department for Transport, adjudicating in final stage complaints against the executive agencies of the DfT. Alex has also facilitated case handling and case review workshops to support Ofqual’s regulatory work with examination boards, advised on and conducted disciplinary investigations for local businesses and provided investigation and complaint handling services within the NHS, both for a University Hospital and for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Most recently, Alex has been conducting independent investigations into complaints of bullying and sexual misconduct within UK Parliament.