An ombudsman (/ˈɒmbʊdzmən/, also US: /-bədz-, -bʌdz-/,), ombud, ombuds, ombudswoman, ombudsperson or public advocate is an official who is usually appointed by the government or by parliament (usually with a significant degree of independence) to investigate complaints and attempt to resolve them, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation.