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…
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…
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…
Today’s post is prompted by all of the recent activity and heightened awareness about sexual harassment, sexual assault, and disparate sexual treatment. Those of you who have followed this blog may know that, in my long career and as the principal of Business Excellence Solutions, I have worked in the field of conflict resolution as…
Need a simple turnkey program to meet the NAR requirement? The National Association of REALTORS
Need a simple turnkey program to meet the NAR requirement? The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has adopted policy that requires all local and state associations of REALTORS® to offer, either directly or as part of a cooperative enforcement agreement, ombudsman services to their members, clients, and consumers by January 1, 2016. Based on your…
Ombuds Programs for REALTOR® Transactions For many years one of the essential services that REALTOR® associations have provided is a review process for ethics complaints. And, for some years now, local and regional REALTOR® associations have experimented with ways to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of ethics reviews and disputes among REALTORS® and between REALTORS® and the general public.…