Duties and Responsibilities of the Ombuds Office

The Ombuds operates according to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Code of Ethics:

• Independence – The office is independent of other organizational offices and entities. It is not for “giving notice” or initiating complaints/grievances. Of course, the office can guide people in learning about and initiating those processes.
• Neutrality/Impartiality – The office is a service to help any and all organizational members. It is a resource for help, guidance, and information. It does not serve an advocacy role.
• Confidentiality – All contact and communication with the office are held in strict confidence so long as there is not imminent danger to self or others. Any communication from the office regarding trends or patterns of office use are done in the aggregate – no revealing personal, demographic, departmental, or other information goes beyond the office.
• Informality – The office is a place to address concerns outside formal channels. The Ombuds listens, helps find information, directs people to appropriate sources of information and policy, develops options, and helps empower people to manage workplace issues. The service is voluntary, and people have no obligation to act upon what was discussed or report back to the office.

The IOA Standards of Practice more clearly lay out the duties and responsibilities of Ombuds as they relate to the IOA Code of Ethics.