In-Person Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice Course

Ottawa, Canada

3-Day Course

16 September - 18 September 2024 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET each day

Registration - Max Occupancy of 24 People

Registration Rates:

• $2,095 USD for IOA members
• $2,595 USD for Non-Members

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Course Description 

This course is for currently practicing or newly appointed ombuds. 

The Ottawa IOA Foundations Course is a new specially designed course for practicing organizational ombuds and those interested in becoming organizational ombuds in the Canadian Federal Public Service, or in other organizations. IOA Foundations covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.

This essential 3-day experience* is packed with information on how to work with visitors, how to act as a change agent within an organization, and how to practice some of the key ombuds skills necessary for success. It will also address special issues that impact practice in Canada.

The course is taught by an experienced and highly committed faculty of ombuds who will share best practices around running an effective office as well as evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of that office.

*Please note that if you are a classical ombuds, or are in an ombuds role that conducts investigations or formal fact-finding, the IOA Course is not recommended. Instead, we encourage you to explore the FCO training done in conjunction with Osgoode in Toronto.

A special thank you to Saint Paul University and the Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution for hosting IOA.

If you do not have an ombuds role you may join our interest list for Aspiring Ombuds and Auxiliary Roles. This will allow you to be the first to be notified when a special session for non-practicing ombuds opens up.

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The IOA Foundations Course is designed for new practicing organizational ombuds and covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality. Learn how to work with visitors to an office as well as how to act as a change agent within your organization. Practice key ombuds skills of listening, asking questions, clarifying, generating options, and moving to actions throughout the ombuds process. In addition, an experienced and highly committed faculty of ombuds will share best practices around setting up an office and evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of the office.

Instructors:

Instructor information will be announced soon.

Learn more about the Foundations course.

This course is presented in English. 

Who should attend:

The course is designed for recently appointed ombuds. Its objectives are to help new practitioners: 

• Recognize the dimensions and parameters of the organizational ombuds role
• Reflect on their own personal relationship to the role
• Develop basic skills to perform the role effectively
• Learn best practices
• Identify resources to learn more
• Build a community of practice

This course applies to ombuds programs in organizational settings. It does not address some features unique to other models of ombuds practice, such as classical, advocate, or legislative.

Additional Details

Course Limit

24 participants

Prerequisites

None

Professional Development Hours (PDH)

This course has been approved for 15 Professional Development Hours for CO-OP® credential recertification.

View Course Policies

Course Location

Saint Paul University

The Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution

Questions?

Email the IOA office at [email protected].

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