Ombudsman
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    An ombudsman is an independent, neutral person designated to assist in resolving conflicts, addressing concerns, and pursuing grievances.

    An Organizational Ombudsman is usually an internal ombudsman employed by a corporation to give employees a way to raise concerns or to complain about how they have been treated by other employees or by the system generally. More

    The NIH Ombudsman

    • Acts impartially and confidentially
    • Advocates for fairness and equality
    • Provides a mechanism for early problem resolution
    • Considers all sides of an issue in an informed, unbiased fashion
    • Promotes better communication

    The Ombudsman

    • Provides a safe place to share confidences
    • Listens without criticizing
    • Helps analyze complex and difficult situations
    • Answers questions
    • Helps access NIH policies and procedures
    • Helps construct non-adversarial approaches to issues
    • Facilitates a just resolution of problems and disputes
    • Refers individuals to appropriate NIH resources

    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 an individual's knowledge or permission
    • Conduct formal investigations
    • Issue investigative reports of any kind
    • Testify or serve as a witness
    • Make or change policy or administative decisions
    • Make binding decisions or determine rights
    • Require anyone to follow ombudsman recommendations

    The Ombudsman uses conflict resolution methods such as mediation, facilitation, conciliation, peer panels, and shuttle diplomacy to help you resolve issues.