A new job board for ADR positions include a section for Ombuds jobs. The Ombuds positions are all within the United States and come from all sectors and types of practice. (Conflict Resolution Jobs via Campus-ADR Tech Blog.)
Showing posts with label Other Ombuds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Other Ombuds. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
International Ombudsman Institute Publishes 2010-11 Annual Report
In the last fiscal year, the IOI General Secretariat reports that membership increased to 135 from 122 in 2009-10. The report highlights IOI initiatives, including training programs and investment projects. The IOI updates its research work and reports that it is currently implementing the first comparative study of independent ombudsman institutions in the Asia–Pacific region.
Looking ahead, IOI has two clear priorities: 1. preparing for the IOI world conference in New Zealand in 2012; and 2. implementing a comprehensive IOI reform, which will focus on transparency and accountability. The report was authored by IOI President Beverley A. Wakem and Secretary General Peter Kostelka. (IOI Annual Report.)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Journal Article Traces Ombuds History
An article by McKenna Lang in the Journal of Conflictology looks at the history of the Ombudsman institution. In "A Western King and an Ancient Notion: Reflections on the Origins of Ombudsing," Lang writes about how the Swedish King Charles XII started this enduring role in 1713.
Although she acknowledges the expansion of the concept to North American universities and corporate entities, she does not delve into the Organizational Ombuds model. (Journal of Conflictology.)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Ombuds Year in Review: 2011 (Part I)
Overall, the past year has been a positive one for Organizational Ombuds profession. Several of the top stories of this year echo those of 2010. The list will be posted in three installments: today, December 20 and December 22.
10. In Memoriam -- Several notable Ombuds passed away in 2011, including: Walter R. Lynn (Cornell University); Florence Boroson (SUNY Stony Brook Ombudsman); John Wanjala (Portland State University); Robert John Ackermann (University of Massachusetts Amherst); Lee Preston (University of Maryland). Their contributions to the field and to their organizations were invaluable, and they will be missed.
9. Post on New UCF Ombuds Draws Record Views -- A post on October 17 described a YouTube video by Shreya Trivedi, who was appointed the University of Central Florida Ombuds earlier in the year. Although the video has been viewed just a few hundred times, the Ombuds Blog post has been viewed more than 5,200 times. Go figure.
8. IOA Expands Outreach Efforts -- The association accomplished several things this year including: the creation of Regional Advisory Committees for international members; approval of a trademark for certification; a major upgrade for its website; creation of international scholarships to its annual conference; its first webinar series (on bullying); and the translation of its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into Spanish and French.
7. NY Ombuds for Developmentally Disabled Breaches Confidentiality -- Ombuds and others were appalled to learn that New York State's Ombudsman for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities had been revealing the names of whisleblowers routinely. The ethical breach undermined confidence in Ombuds of all types.
Related post: The Ombuds Decade in Review (2010); The Ombuds Year in Review: 2010.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie Elects New Leader
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Association for Conflict Resolution Offers Overview of Ombuds Field
The Chicago Chapter of ACR will present a program on "What Is Ombuds and What Do They Do" at DePaul University on November 30. Speakers on the panel reflect the diversity of Ombuds practice and will include: Rev. Craig B. Mousin, University Ombudsperson, DePaul University; Irving Capitel, Ombudsperson, Better Business Bureau; Bernard Cobbins, Ombudsman, Chicago Department of Family & Social Services; and Ron Bacci, Ombudsman, Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve.
The event is free to ACR-Chicago members and DePaul University College of Law; $20.00 for non-members. (ACR-Chicago Flyer.)
Huffington Post Blogger Calls for NCAA Ombuds
Eric Schmeltzer, a political and communications consultant, argues that the ational Collegiate Athletic Association should establish an independent investigative body to to monitor all of its member schools. The editorial was prompted by the recent allegations that a Penn State Football coach sexually assaulted minors, but also references other college sports scandals. Schmeltzer envisions a Ombuds program with investigatory powers similar to the Ontario Ombudsman:
With one lump-sum payment from the NCAA to set up the body, and mandatory payments from member schools to keep it running, this Office of the NCAA Ombudsman would be responsible for investigating any and all claims brought to it, and guaranteeing the absolute, complete anonymity of its sources. The Ombudsman him or herself would be hired by an executive search firm -- not by the NCAA -- and once established, would make his or her own hiring and firing decisions. The office should be given enough money to hire a decent number of regional investigators (possibly one in each state), who would act as a point of first contact for anyone within his or her region. This investigator would have authority over any college or university's athletics program within his or her jurisdiction, and full access to anything he or she needs to verify or dispel charges brought to the office's attention. If member schools don't like that, then they can leave the NCAA, and take the major PR hit of not wanting to be kept honest.
At the end of any investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman would release a full report on findings, with recommendations for punishment. This report and its recommendations would be made public at the time it is turned over to the NCAA and the school investigated. This would put pressure on the NCAA and the school to accept the recommendations for punishment, or try to explain why it thinks a school's program deserves more of a slap on the wrist.
Ken Pendleton, writing on the Competition Not Conflict blog, agrees. (Huffington Post; CNC Blog.)
Monday, November 14, 2011
New York State Ombuds for Developmentally Disabled Routinely Breached Whistleblowers' Confidentiality
The NY Times is reporting that the Ombudsman for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities has been revealing the names of whisleblowers. The state agency that oversees thousands of group homes advertises that its Ombuds are required by law, “receive and keep confidential any complaint” from parents, advocates and anyone else, including state employees. However, agency officials now concede that their internal policy has for years been to encourage Ombuds to turn over the names of whistleblower employees when they report abuse or neglect.
Later this year, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Ombuds program will be transferred to the NY State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons With Disabilities. Roger Bearden, the agency’s commissioner, told the Times that the program would change under his watch. “We intend to preserve confidentiality for people who communicate with client advocates or ombudspersons,” he said. (NY Times.)
Friday, November 4, 2011
Forum of Canadian Ombudsman Upgrades Website
FCO has unveiled a beautiful and improved website. New features include links to members’ websites and other Ombuds associations, and a new logo. The site also promises to post "Standards of Practice and Ethics." All of the materials are available in French and English. (FCO Welcome Page.)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Ombudsman Serves Stakeholders and Leadership at Joint Base Andrews
The Public Affairs office at the US military facility in Prince George's County, Maryland has implemented an Ombuds program for any kind of concerns about operations at the base. Staff Sgt. Kris Levasseur, 11th Wing Public Affairs NCO, explained, “Through this program, members here are able to ask questions from Andrews’ senior leaders and receive a response in a timely and accurate fashion most within 24 hours.”
According to an article in DCMilitary, the Andrews Ombudsman handled matters such as concerns over the new uniform change for all National Capital Region Airmen and why there are no longer contracted guards at the gates on base. A link at the Joint Base Andrews website provides an email address for inquiries, but there is no page for the Ombuds program or any indication of the personnel in the role. (DCMilitary.com; Joint Base Andrews.)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Book Will Serve as Reference for News Ombuds
Jeffrey Dvorkin, the Executive Director of the Organization of News Ombudsmen, will soon publish the Handbook for News Ombudsmen. On his personal blog, Dvorkin provides a short excerpt that explains why Ombuds are important for media outlets.
A news ombudsman is not there to confirm the worst suspicions of the public, neither to placate management, nor to support the newsroom.
An ombudsman is there to act as a counterweight or antidote to the natural assumptions of any organization that everything that happens is usually for a good reason or is done for the best of motives.
An ombudsman is there to ask simple questions: “Are you sure?” “How do you know?”
The handbook is supported in part by the Open Society Institute and will be avialable soon from ONO. (Now the Details.)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
King County Ombudsman Reports Increase in Cases in 2010
The Classical Ombuds program for King County, WA reports that it handled 2,950 complaints and inquiries from County residents and employees last year. Nearly all cases were resolved within one month and a scant 3% resulted in a formal investigation. Most cases were resolved through information and direct assistance. Total cases have risen 113% from 1386 in 2003. (King County Ombudsman 2010 Report.)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Navy Celebrates 41st Ombudsman Appreciation Day
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West and his wife, Bobbi West, Navy Ombudsman-at-Large, released the following message to the fleet marking Ombudsman Appreciation Day on September 12.
Navy Ombudsmen,
Bobbi and I would like to take the time to say 'thank you' for all your hard work and dedication to our Sailors, families and our great Navy for the past 41 years. Since Admiral Zumwalt established the ombudsman program, the outstanding volunteers who have stepped up and have served in this important role have left a lasting positive impact that resonates across the Fleet every day.
We honor you, our Navy ombudsmen, who are Navy spouses and highly trained volunteers that provide a vital communication link between commands and families. When our families are faced with the challenges of deployments or family emergencies, our dedicated ombudsmen promote resiliency and self-reliance by providing guidance that assists families to regain a sense of normalcy.
Our ombudsmen serve with a genuine desire to help and represent the very best of the program's tremendous legacy. Mission readiness is tied to family readiness, and family readiness is tied in part to the selfless dedication of our extraordinary ombudsmen.
Please join Bobbi and me in offering our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our Navy ombudsmen and their 41 years of excellence.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Asian Ombudsman Association Resets 2011 Conference in Japan
The 12th annual AOA conference, postponed due to the earthquake in Japan, has been rescheduled for December 5-8, 2011 in Tokyo and Numazu, Shizuoka. The theme of the event is “Challenges for the Ombudsman in a Changing Socio-Economic Environment.” Conference host, Hideo Arai, the Ombudsman and Director-General of the Administrative Evaluation Bureau in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, noted that 2011 is the 50th anniversary of the Administrative Counselors System, the Japanese version of the Ombudsman system.
Registration is now open online, but registrants who are not members of AOA must contact the AOA Conference Secretariat for information. (AOA Conf. Info.)
Friday, September 2, 2011
New Blog for Classical Ombudsmen
On August 19, Michael Reddy launched News of the OmbudsmanWorld -- a blog focused on Classical Ombuds. The Paper.li site curates articles, blog posts, videos and photos shared on social media. Reddy says the new site, "aims to publish stories about ombudsman issues from the UK and from around the world."
Reddy is the former chief executive of the UK Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education and also served as a deputy banking ombudsman. He now is the managing director of Syndicus, a consulting company based near London that focuses on alternative dispute resolution, complaints management and regulation. (News of the OmbudsmanWorld.)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Organization of News Ombudsmen Website Hacked
Jeffrey Dvorkin, executive director of ONO, reports that the website for the non-profit organization was vandalized over the weekend. Dvorkin tweeted twice on August 21 at 9:00 EDT:
ONO website hacked and seriously damaged. Who would do such a thing?
@mjanssen We have had a number of attempts to put malware on. The worst of it is how it damaged our archives - 30 years of columns.
Related posts: Organization of News Ombudsmen Director Looks to the Future.
Monday, August 15, 2011
International Ombudsman Institute Will Hold 2012 Conference in New Zealand
The 10th IOI World Conference will be held in Wellington on November 13-16, 2012 hosted by New Zealand Office of the Ombudsmen. The event will provide Ombudsmen from around the world with the opportunity to meet, share their experience and engage in fruitful debate and discussion. IOI has launched a website for the conference which will be updated with details on the program, speakers and registration.
Formal registration will begin in December. (IOI World Conference.)
Monday, August 8, 2011
United States Ombudsman Association Opens Registration for 32nd Annual Conference
The national organization for public sector Ombudsmen is accepting registrations for its 2011 meeting in Jacksonville, FL October 24-28, 2011. The conference theme is: "The Ombudsman: The Bridge to Conflict Resolution, Accountability, and Transparency."
Plenary sessions will include:
- Value-Based Decision-Making: Ensuring Reasonable Process and Outcomes in the Public Sector
- Social Media: Bridging the Communication Divide
- USOA Standards: Credible Review Process
- Dealing With Difficult People
- Self-Mastery for Stress Management
Concurrent sessions are:
- Ombudsman Advocacy Smarts: Avoiding the Pains of Systems Advocacy
- Generational Characteristics That Impact the Work of the Ombudsman
- Data Collection as Government Quality Assurance and Ombudsman Accountability
- Coping in the Hot Seat: Challenges Facing Federal Ombudsmen in High Profile Agencies
- We Can Dish It Out, But Can We Take It? What Happens When the Ombudsman Is Audited?
- One Hour to Writing Power
USOA is again be offering a two-day New Ombudsman Training pre-conference workshop and, in partnership with the International Ombudsman Institute, a two-day workshop by the Ontario Ombudsman's Office titled "Sharpening Your Teeth." Priority registration ends September 24. (USOA Conference Registration.)
Related posts: Follow the USOA 2010 Conference on Twitter; USOA Will Meet in Ohio for 31st Annual Conference; USOA to Elect New Board in March.
Related posts: Follow the USOA 2010 Conference on Twitter; USOA Will Meet in Ohio for 31st Annual Conference; USOA to Elect New Board in March.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Portland Ombudsman Moves to Portland State University
Michael Mills, the Ombudsman for the City of Portland, Oregon for the past decade, has accepted a new position at Portland State University. Mills will be a project manager for Oregon Consensus, a PSU School of Government program that helps policymakers resolve complex disputes. As the Portland Ombudsman, Mills investigated complaints about city services and made recommendations for improvements. Mills opened the IOA annual conference in April 2011. (Oregon Live.)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Creating a Perfect FOIA Ombuds Office
An article posted by the National Freedom of Information Coalition outlines how to create an Ombuds program to reduce litigation over over information requests. Experts say important considerations include training, a dedicated program (rather than part of another administrative office or attorney general), political independence, and an appropriate level of power.
The article was written by Ohio University Assistant Professor of Journalism, Aimee Edmondson. (NFOIC News.)
Related posts: Are Ombuds the Solution to FOIA Disputes?; NPR Interviews New FOIA Ombuds.
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