Ombuds: Using Trusted Conflict Navigators

Created by Mark Batson-Baril, 2019

Learn about the role of an ombuds and the potential for creating trusted conflict engagement capacity

  • What an ombuds does
  • The qualities of a great ombuds
  • When to use an ombuds
  • How to get an ombuds

Reflection Questions

Assess your organizations internal conflict resolution process

Tools and Tips

How to develop an ombuds program in your organization

The Value of Ombuds in Organizations

Today, a growing number of social, environmental, political and community impact spaces are experiencing the disruptive power of rapid social, political, economic and technological change, making internal and external conflict inevitable. Such rapid and disruptive change often brings conflict and polarization, as well as the opportunity for positive transformation. At this time of accelerated change, ombuds are serving as trusted navigators, engaged by people and organizations to inform critical decisions and help resolve conflicts for lasting and positive organizational impact.

What is an Ombuds?

Ombuds are specialists in the world of conflict. The biggest asset they may bring to those they serve is as a listening and sounding board during difficult situations. In all cases, they bring specific expertise to the table around problem-solving, negotiating, teaching, dispute resolution, coaching, and system analysis. Read More

Qualities of an Organizational Ombuds

An experienced organizational ombuds acts as a no-barrier, first-stop for staff as well as leadership and managers seeking guidance, information, and insight from a trusted advisor who is: Read More

Reflection Questions

  • Does your organization have a conflict and complaint management protocol? If so, is it well understood by all members of the community?
  • Do all members of the organization’s community have equal access to conflict resolution resources?
  • Are there reasons you can think of why someone may not want to go to your Human Resources department to figure out options to a problem?
  • Are there unresolved conflicts within the organization right now? Why?
  • Do you have a system in place that collects and reports to management about commonly occurring conflict related situations and issues that may be costly?
  • Do you have someone within the organization you can seek help from with ANY type of issue?
  • Is there a system in place now to normalize and benefit from the positive side of conflict?

Tools and Tips

Developing an Ombuds Program

Organizations typically take one of three paths in developing the ombuds function and filling the ombuds position:

  • They choose a well-known and trusted person within the organization to continue in their old role and learn to be the ombuds too.
  • They choose a person within the organization or from outside the organization, to act in the sole role as ombuds.
  • They choose an external contract service to set-up and deliver ombuds services.

The Steps in Building the Role of an Ombuds

Confirm the Need
The starting point to the building of an ombuds program is to inform and then establish the need with the key decision makers in the organization. Buy-in from every level in the organization is a final goal. Assess the Organization
Collecting information about the current culture, conflict capacity, management practices, and unique needs of the organization, are critical components in building a resilient and sustainable program. By surveying, interviewing, conducting strategic meetings of stakeholders, and using assessment tools, an accurate picture develops that informs the core structure of the program. Create the Structure
A custom reference document (charter) defines the program; a position description details the ombudsperson(s)’ qualifications and experience; finalized budget, reporting, and measurement tools are defined. Whether an internal ombuds is used, or a contract service is deployed, this structure is critical. Start the Work
The ombudsperson or team begin services as defined in the Charter which should include: managing the program; marketing the office; working cases; training/education; and collecting data for reporting. Measure and Evaluate
By collecting data system-wide, reporting at regular intervals, and developing before and after metrics, a picture of actual value to the organization becomes clear.

Resources

Articles:

“Ethics, HR and the Importance of Ombuds Programs“ by Human Resource Institute

Organizations

International Ombudsman Association
We cannot say enough about the depth and influence of information provided by the IOA (International Ombudsman Association) to its members and the international community.

Other Resources

What Are Ombuds?  A short video by the International Ombudsman Association

Citations

The information you have read here has in large part come from the work of the International Ombudsman Association.

Need help finding a trusted navigator ombuds?

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