Montreal Ombudsman Pleads for Additional Funds
The municpal ombudsman for Montreal has seen a 13-fold increase in complaints since its founding in 2003. In 2006, Johanne Savard's office handled more than 1,300 matters, up from 541 new complaints in 2005 and 211 in 2004. Over that time, the office staff has increased from three to seven. Savard attributed the increase in caseload to greater public awareness of her role as the public's last recourse, rather than to a rise in problems. In spite of Savard's request, the ombudsman's budget for 2007 will likely remain unchanged at $700,000, due to Montreal's continuing budget shortfall. (Montreal Gazette; Ombudsman de Montréal.)
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Senate to Propose Ombuds for Red Cross
Concurrent senate and house bills filed yesterday marked the first move to amend the organization’s charter in 60 years. The Red Cross strongly supports the legislation which mandates the appointment of an independent ombudsman charged with reporting annually to Congress, among other steps. Among other duties, the ombudsman would help whistleblowers. (New York Times.)
Concurrent senate and house bills filed yesterday marked the first move to amend the organization’s charter in 60 years. The Red Cross strongly supports the legislation which mandates the appointment of an independent ombudsman charged with reporting annually to Congress, among other steps. Among other duties, the ombudsman would help whistleblowers. (New York Times.)
Monday, December 4, 2006
New Federal Rules Prompt Assessment of Record Retention Policies
As of December 1, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure streamline the disclosure of electronic records between litigants. (Link, see especially Rules 16, 26, 33, 34, and 37.) Previously, the exchange of electronic records was haphazard and sanctions for failing to produce were more difficult to obtain. Experts thus urge institutions to have (and follow) explicit policies regarding destruction of electronic records. (Chronicle of Higher Ed.) Ombuds would be well advised to make sure they follow suit.
As of December 1, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure streamline the disclosure of electronic records between litigants. (Link, see especially Rules 16, 26, 33, 34, and 37.) Previously, the exchange of electronic records was haphazard and sanctions for failing to produce were more difficult to obtain. Experts thus urge institutions to have (and follow) explicit policies regarding destruction of electronic records. (Chronicle of Higher Ed.) Ombuds would be well advised to make sure they follow suit.
Is This the First-Ever Ombuds Blog?
Diane Levin, who blogs the Online Guide to Mediation thinks so. Check for yourself at the Worldwide Directory of ADR Blogs.
Diane Levin, who blogs the Online Guide to Mediation thinks so. Check for yourself at the Worldwide Directory of ADR Blogs.
Friday, December 1, 2006
Pomona Students Press Demand for Staff Ombuds
In a public meeting with the president of Pomona College, student members of the Advisory Committee on Diversity reiterated their request for an ombudsperson to address staff concerns about the workplace. (The Student Life.) The college has pledged to reach a decision on the issue by “the end of the academic year.”
In a public meeting with the president of Pomona College, student members of the Advisory Committee on Diversity reiterated their request for an ombudsperson to address staff concerns about the workplace. (The Student Life.) The college has pledged to reach a decision on the issue by “the end of the academic year.”
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Proposal to Revise IOA Membership Categories Loses
In response to concerns over IOA membership categories, the board held a special meeting on November 27, 2006 to consider changing the by-laws. Despite seeming widespread interest in the issue, less than 25% of the members exercised their vote. The proposal thus failed to reach a quorom and the membership categories will not change. This would seem to be the most disappointing outcome of a critical issue.
In response to concerns over IOA membership categories, the board held a special meeting on November 27, 2006 to consider changing the by-laws. Despite seeming widespread interest in the issue, less than 25% of the members exercised their vote. The proposal thus failed to reach a quorom and the membership categories will not change. This would seem to be the most disappointing outcome of a critical issue.
India Moves Forward with Health Ombuds
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