Parliamentary Ombudsman delivers lecture on ethical leadership and good governance to Ascencia Business School students

Parliamentary Ombudsman delivers lecture on ethical leadership and good governance to Ascencia Business School students

Published July 24, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, delivered an engaging lecture to students attending undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Ascencia Business School Malta. The lecture formed part of the modules Fundamental Principles of Human Resource Management (Bachelor’s), Leader as a Coach (Master’s), and Employee and Labour Relations (Master’s).

The session explored the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta and how its functions although they deal with matters related to the public service and public administration can find application also in the business community. Judge Zammit McKeon explained the constitutional basis and statutory powers of the Office, and how it operates to safeguard fairness, transparency, and accountability in the public administration. He also outlined Malta’s participation in international ombudsman fora and networks such as the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM).

Throughout the lecture, Judge Zammit McKeon emphasised that the ethos underpinning good public administration could be extended to the business world. He spoke in detail about maladministration and shared real case examples from his Office’s investigative work to illustrate the importance of institutional accountability and responsiveness. The Ombudsman also highlighted six key principles of good administration—transparency, accountability, integrity, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, and inclusiveness—stressing that these values are not exclusive to public institutions but are equally critical for ethical leadership in private enterprise.

The session was structured around five thematic topics that ranged from the role and societal impact of the Ombudsman to the importance of courage and integrity in leadership, and the relevance of humility in public service and corporate management. Judge Zammit McKeon reflected on his own professional journey and offered advice to the students as they pursue their studies in Malta and prepare for future leadership roles across the globe.

The interactive discussion allowed students to engage directly with the Ombudsman, posing questions about real-world issues related to governance, law, and ethical conduct in the workplace. The lecture resonated strongly with Ascencia’s academic focus on ethical leadership, institutional accountability, and the impact of policy and regulation on employee rights and workplace fairness.

Ascencia Malta is the local campus of Ascencia Business School, a member of the Collège de Paris network, offering internationally recognised business and leadership programmes. The campus provides a global learning environment for both local and international students, preparing them for professional roles in business, technology, and governance.

The Office of the Ombudsman thanks Ascencia Business School Malta for the invitation and the opportunity to engage with students committed to making a positive impact in their future careers.