Work and Personnel Concerns

Office of the Ombudsman, Center for Cooperative Resolution

The NIH Office of the Ombudsman, Center for Cooperative Resolution (CCR) provides the NIH community with confidential and informal assistance in resolving work-related conflicts or concerns. The Office is impartial, neutral and independent and serves as an advocate for fairness. The Ombudsman and CCR staff work with you to find non-adversarial approaches to resolving conflicts. We listen to concerns, clarify procedures, explore options to facilitate problem resolution, and when requested, act as intermediaries. We use conflict resolution methods such as mediation, conciliation, facilitation, peer panels and shuttle diplomacy to help you resolve issues.

The NIH Ombudsman

• Provides a safe place to share confidences.
• Listens without criticism.
• Analyzes your situation.
• Answers questions.
• Helps to access NIH policies and procedures.
• Assists you in addressing your concerns.
• Facilitates a just resolution of problems and disputes.
• Refers you to the appropriate NIH resource, if needed.

The Ombudsman does not

• Accept or provide notice of an alleged violation.
• Serve as part of any formal grievance or complaint process.
• Advocate for any individual.
• Share information with others without your knowledge or permission.
• Conduct formal investigations, or issue reports of any kind.
• Make, change or set aside law, policy or administrative decisions.
• Make binding decisions or determine rights.
• Require anyone to follow ombudsman recommendations.

Employees Covered The Office is available to most people who work at the NIH including scientists, post-doctoral fellows, students, administrative staff, and support staff. The Office is available to employees at every level of the NIH, for almost any workplace conflict. The only people not covered are

• Those working for companies contracted by the NIH.
• Those who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that does not include the NIH Office of the Ombudsman. These employees should contact their exclusive bargaining unit representative prior to initiating any services from the NIH Office of the Ombudsman.

Contact Information

For more information or to make an appointment, call the CCR at (301) 594-7231. The CCR is located in Building 31, Room 1B39.