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Member Type |
Course Fee |
| IOA Members | $950 USD Estimated $1,600 NZD Estimated $1,490 AUD |
| Non-Members | $1120 USD Estimated $1,900 NZD Estimated $1,750 AUD |
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About the Course
This flagship course is primarily designed for new and aspiring organizational ombuds and those interested in learning more about the profession. The course covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
This fundamental three-day in-person or four-day virtual 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. 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.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize key characteristics and skills of effective ombuds.
- Apply the ethical principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
- Use new strategies to build trust and show compassion with visitors.
- Demonstrate impartial listening techniques, including how to paraphrase, reflect, and reframe.
- Analyze visitor issues to identify positions, related feelings, and underlying interests.
- Better assist visitors in exploring and defining options.
- See the interdependence between how ombuds serve visitors and serve the organization at large.
- Align the ombuds function with the overall vision, mission, goals, and values of the organization.
- Work more effectively with organizational leadership.
- Address common challenges to conveying the value and impact of ombuds work.
- Appreciate the uniqueness and complexity of the ombuds role.
- Recognize the dimensions and parameters of the organizational ombuds role.
- Reflect on their own personal relationship to the role.
- Learn best practices.
- Identify resources to learn more.
- Build a community of practice.
Please note this course does not address some features unique to other models of ombuds practice, such as classical, advocate, or legislative.
Additional Details and Event Policies
Course Limit
15 participants
Professional Development Hours (PDH)
This course has been submitted for 15 PDH pending approval.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]g. All cancellation requests received 21 days in advance of the event start date, will be issued a refund less a $75 USD processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].
Substitute attendees will be permitted. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than two days before the event's start date. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected].
Nonpayment Policy
If full payment has not been remitted by four weeks prior to the start of the course, the registration may be canceled and the spot will be released to the next registrant on the waiting list, if applicable. The IOA office will contact registered individuals with a balance due before canceling their registration.
Technical Failure Policy for Virtual Courses
It is the responsibility of the registrant to confirm system requirements and test their computers prior to the start of each virtual session. If a technical failure is the fault of the service provider and the session is not able to be broadcast as planned, IOA reserves the right to reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, IOA is not responsible for refunding the participant or providing applicable PDH hours.