I’ve been working recently on a project for the International Ombuds Association to gather information on how organizational ombuds programs can measure their effectiveness. The project has involved conversations with many experienced ombuds and, as a result, I’ve concluded that my thinking about the role of an ombuds is somewhat different than many other practitioners.…
People seek out an organizational ombuds in their setting for a wide variety of reasons. Some are simply seeking information on resources. Others want to explore their options in a safe, confidential setting without triggering unplanned consequences. Some seek ombuds help on very sensitive issues that require great listening and support skills. And some may…
It was a pleasure to attend the most recent conference of the International Ombuds Association in Miami, Fl. It is always recharging to share ideas, reconnect with dear colleagues, and to gain a sense of awareness of current issues, challenges, and opportunities. There were several issues that seemed to be firmly in the zeitgeist in…
As we all can appreciate, 2020 was a different year! While the year’s events and circumstances posed many challenges, looking back the year inspired agility and adaptation for us. Here are some of the things that led to positive changes for us in 2020 and that continue to shape our future directions for 2021. While the pandemic forced all of us into smaller profession…
It is a pleasure to announce that our team at Business Excellence Solutions – BES – has gained remarkable new talent from two energetic and highly experienced ombuds and conflict resolution experts! We are excited to welcome our newest team mates! Anamaris Price Cousins comes to the team with 14 years’ experience as Ombudsman and Manager working at…
By Bruce MacAllister and Diana Mosonyi By Bruce MacAllister and Diana Mosonyi Today’s global environment seems hectic and unpredictable. As we emerge from our self-imposed seclusion and re-enter the wider world, trust an essential element. Many recent events demonstrate that an essential element of social engagement is trust. For a society to function, trust at…
The United States Department of Education has released its revised Title IX Regulations governing campus responses to sexual assault and sexual harassment in schools. I have extracted some key points for organizational ombuds working in education — particularly those working on College and University Campuses. I extracted 14 points as preliminary information for ombuds practicing…
Today’s world creates challenges for fulfilling the basic human need forconnection. As one response to these challenging and unpredictable times, we have spontaneously formed a collaboration to develop ideas for coping with the current pandemic and the personal and professional disruption that it has caused. As a part of this initiative, we have developed a…
The organizational ombudsman model has been widely embraced for many years by colleges, universities, and progressive corporations as an important resource to ensure that students and employees have a neutral, confidential, informal resource available to assist when issues or conflict arise. In these times of crisis and change, the ombuds resource becomes an even more…
In these strange and challenging times, many mediation and ombudsman programs are having to make the switch to working virtually with visitors using a variety of web-based and telephone-based meeting approaches. While much of my mediation and ombuds work has been based out of “brick and mortar” programs, since 2011, much of my work has also…