Each year, the Ombudsman launches some 30 - 50 investigations on his own initiative. They can relate to shortcomings which have been highlighted in publicity or matters which have emerged, for example, in the course of her on-site inspections.

In 2009 the Ombudsman Paunio took 80 (61) matters under investigation on her own initiative, decision was made in 79 (47) matters.

Matters chosen for investigation on the Ombudsman's own initiative are examined in the same way as ordinary complaints. Investigation leads to a decision in which the Ombudsman adopts a position on shortcomings in the same way as he does in his decisions on complaints.