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.