The Legal Ombudsman is an independent service for complaints about lawyers in England and Wales that opened its doors on October 6. The service is independent and impartial. Although it is empowered to conduct formal investigations, it seeks to resolve complains informally. The office employs ten professionals, including eight Ombuds. One unique feature of the program is a detailed, quarterly disclosure of interests that may conflict with their work -- board interests, self employment, charities, public appointments, political activity, membership, close family links, etc. This level of disclosure is unprecedented in the Ombuds profession. No other Classical or Organizational Ombuds publishes potential conflicts of interest. On the other hand, many professional mediators indicate their interests for potential customers. (Legal Ombudsman UK; BBC News.)
Organizational Ombuds share the same duty of independence and impartiality. However, most do not disclose potential conflicts until they become apparent and then usually only verbally. Do you think Organizational Ombuds should be more proactive about disclosing their interests?
- Yes, this is an important issue.
- No, I disclose verbally if needed.
- No, my public profile is sufficient.
- No, my private life is private.
Comments are always welcome in addition.
Prior: Friday Polls.
No comments:
Post a Comment