The International Ombuds Association (IOA) is dedicated to excellence and provides Standards of Practice & Ethical Principles to which members adhere in their organizational Ombuds practice.
The Dartmouth Ombuds is a certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP®), member of the IOA, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and a member of the International Coach Federation.
IOA Guiding Principles
Ombuds are Independent
The office is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within Dartmouth, and not influenced by internal and external forces. This is achieved through organizational recognition, reporting structure, and impartiality.
Ombuds are Confidential
Confidentiality is essential to the Ombuds function and helps create a place where visitors can freely talk through their concerns. Information shared by any visitor will not be disclosed without the visitor’s permission except where the Ombuds determines there may be an imminent risk of serious harm or required by law.
The Ombuds does not maintain records that identify visitors and visitors are understood to agree to abide by the principle of confidentiality by not recording meetings with the Ombuds (New Hampshire recording law stipulates that it is a two-party consent state; it is unlawful to use any device to record communications without the consent of everyone taking part in the conversation).
Ombuds are Informal
Talking with the Ombuds is not the same as talking with Dartmouth. Because the Ombuds is an informal and off-the-record resource, working with the Ombuds is not a required step in any formal process or policy nor does it prompt any formal process. The Ombuds does not make business or policy decisions, participate in disciplinary or grievance processes, or conduct formal investigations for Dartmouth.
The Ombuds doesn’t record or act on any notice of complaint or conduct formal investigations or participate in formal actions. However, an Ombuds can educate visitors about formal complaint procedures and make referrals and connections.
Consulting with the Ombuds is always voluntary and visitors are understood to have agreed to abide by the principles under which the office was created and not call the Ombuds to disclose confidential information or be asked to participate in any formal, legal, or other matter.
Ombuds are Impartial
Ombuds advocate for productive communication and fair processes and their implementation. The Dartmouth Ombuds does not serve as an advocate for any party to a dispute.
The Ombuds is an unbiased resource with no personal interest in the outcome of a matter and will decline involvement when there may be a real or perceived conflict of interest.