Resources for Starting an Ombuds Office

IOA offers tools for practicing ombuds and for promoting the ombuds profession. IOA members have access to these tools and much more. Consider an IOA membership for you and your team today. Group and individual memberships are available.

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Why Should My Organization Have an Ombuds?

Whether you are in a Higher Ed, corporate, government, NGO/association, K-12 or research setting, adding an organizational ombuds is a proven and effective way to build and improve workplace culture, support employees and other stakeholders, provide an informal and confidential space to identify and address issues, and much more. Find out more about developing an Ombuds office at your organization.

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How Do I Start an Ombuds Office?

Congratulations on making the decision to incorporate ombuds services in your organization. Read through some helpful resources for you to get started.

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How to Select or Hire an Ombuds?

If you are currently looking to speak to or hire an ombuds, this page can help.

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Ombuds Research and Academic Inquiry

The field of organizational ombuds practice is a rich and emergent area of study. This page contains helpful resources for those who are conducting research or academic inquiry into ombuds and their work.

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Post on the IOA Job Board

The IOA Job Board is designed to promote the profession and support skilled ombuds practitioners in finding jobs.

Post on the Job Board

View the Outsourced Ombuds and Consultant Directory

If you are looking for assistance in developing or enhancing your ombuds program, you may want to consider the option of working with an ombuds. IOA has recently created the IOA Outsourced Ombuds and Consultant Directory (OOCD) to facilitate these connections.

View the Directory

Ombuds-Related Networks and Groups

Connect with Ombuds Professionals in Other Communities.

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An Overview of Ombuds Confidentiality

IOA has developed a new resource to assist program designers better understand the US case law, statutory, and other established guidance relating to ombuds confidentiality.  The primer also explains why a properly structured office is an essential component to creating an implied contract between ombuds and visitors to further support the voluntary nature of the work. This resource meets a recurring need expressed by both ombuds and those who are developing programs and can also be tailored for other regions outside of the US.