Organizational Ombuds offices are increasingly shaped by a range of structural and operational models that reflect shifting institutional needs, resource constraints, legal environments, and cultural contexts. From traditional in-house roles to embedded, collateral, outsourced, hybrid, regional, and shared-service approaches, the model through which organizational ombuds services are delivered carries significant implications for independence, accessibility, credibility, and ethical practice.

This special issue seeks to explore the evolving landscape of ombuds models and their impact on the theory and practice of the profession. We invite submissions that critically examine how different structural arrangements shape the work of ombuds and influence organizational trust, conflict engagement, and systems change.

We welcome manuscripts that address topics such as:

• Embedded Ombuds Models: Examining ombuds roles situated within specific units, departments, or professional domains, including implications for accessibility, role clarity, boundary management, and perceived neutrality.
• Collateral Ombuds Models: Exploring the opportunities and challenges of ombuds roles held in conjunction with other organizational responsibilities, including questions of credibility, independence, and ethical tension.
• Outsourced and External Ombuds: Analyzing the use of third-party ombuds services, including implications for confidentiality, institutional knowledge, continuity, and trust.
• Hybrid and Shared-Service Models: Investigating structures that blend internal and external functions or serve multiple institutions, regions, or systems.
• Governance and Reporting Structures: Exploring how funding sources, reporting lines, and oversight mechanisms shape the effectiveness and ethical integrity of ombuds offices.
• Access and Equity Considerations: Examining how different models affect who is able to use ombuds services, under what conditions, and with what degree of psychological safety.
• Ethical and Professional Standards: Analyzing how various models support or strain the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice, including confidentiality, independence, neutrality, and informality.
• Innovation and Adaptation: Highlighting emerging or nontraditional models developed in response to organizational complexity, financial pressures, or changing workforce needs.

We welcome original research articles, case studies, theoretical perspectives, and practice-based insights from scholars and practitioners examining ombuds models across higher education, healthcare, corporations, government, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, and other institutional contexts. Submissions should offer critical analysis, empirical insight, and practical implications for strengthening the design and delivery of ombuds services.

Information on author guidelines for the Journal of the International Ombuds Association can be found on our website here: https://www.ombudsassociation.org/journal-of-the-ioa

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you.