Annual Ombuds Day

Every Second Thursday in October

Save the Date for Ombuds Day 2023 on 12 October 2023. Check back closer to the event for more resources and related events for this year's celebration of the Ombuds profession.

How to Prepare for Ombuds Day 2023

We encourage you to share your Ombuds Day news, celebrations, and reflections on social media and on the IOA Blog. Post your photos and reflections using the hashtag #OmbudsDay or #OmbudsDay2023. If you would like to share an in-depth story with the ombuds community we invite you to submit a blog post to The Independent Voice.

Check Out Our Ombuds Day 2022 Video

In 2022, we asked you why ombuds work is more important than ever and how you see this year's theme of Resilience, Respect, and Resolve being reflected in your work. Thank you to everyone who shared their insights via video. Here are a few of the highlights.

What Is Ombuds Day?

Every second Thursday of October people from around the world take time to celebrate ombuds. IOA wants to invite you to take part in these celebrations.

Ombuds Day serves as an additional opportunity to educate and raise awareness among the public about the history and practices of the ombuds profession including the various ombuds models, the roles they play, the services they offer, and the value provided.

Celebrations

The primary goal of Ombuds Day is to improve public awareness of ombuds.

Our actions are intended to:

Educate the public about the role of ombuds

Explain the wide variety of services that ombuds provide

Encourage greater use of ombuds programs and services

Highlight the value ombuds bring to the institutions and constituents they serve.

What Is an Ombuds?

Ombuds (also known as ombudspersons and ombudsmen) are confidential, impartial, and independent conflict management professionals in universities; federal, state, and local governments; healthcare facilities; and a variety of other organizations. However, their roles and services are relatively unknown compared to other methods of resolving conflicts such as mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Learn more about ombuds.

Ombuds Day 2023

Ombuds Day Website

Ombuds Day Toolkit

Follow the Celebration on Social Media — #OmbudsDay

Twitter: Follow @IntlOmbudsAssoc

Check Out #OmbudsDay

LinkedIn: Follow IOA

Past Ombuds Day Milestones