The Ombud provides a safe and calm space where you can explore all possible avenues for resolving challenging situations and decide for yourself how to proceed.  

Questions, problems and conflicts are part and parcel of life, including at work. Finding the best way to handle them can make a big difference, and that’s where the Ombud comes in. 

The Ombud serves the entire CERN community, including staff members, users, students, trainees, graduates, and contractors’ personnel. The Ombud’s role covers:

• listening and reviewing concerns or problems;
• helping to resolve conflicts between colleagues or line managers;
• guiding individuals in the application of the CERN Code of Conduct;
• promoting good management practices, dialogue, collaboration, well-being and mental health.

Read the 2025 Annual Report of the Ombud to find out more about the role the Ombud plays within the Laboratory.

The Ombud is a qualified professional with expertise in mediation, coaching and mental health first aid, and has access to the experience of other professional ombuds through various networks. Maintaining the strictest confidentiality, the Ombud works closely with all CERN support channels and can also refer you to the appropriate service, including CAPA, Mental health support and key contacts in the Human Resources Department (Ethics at CERN, My career and experience at CERN and Social Affairs Service).

If you have a concern, are involved in a conflict or are experiencing any other problem in the workplace that is affecting you and/or others, contact the CERN Ombud promptly.

The Ombud is also a sounding board: a readily available, independent and supportive interlocutor you can turn to if you'd like to test out your ideas or discuss your options.

A discussion with the Ombud is voluntary, informal, non-judgmental and completely confidential.

These confidentiality obligations can only be waived with the agreement of the individuals concerned. The sole exception is when the Ombud believes there is an imminent threat of serious harm to persons or property.

Thank you for your attention, and see you soon!

Marie-Luce Falipou

The Ombud is available from Monday to Friday in Office 500/1-004 on the Meyrin site. To make an appointment, in person or online, contact me at ombuds@cern.ch

To find out more, please visit the website https://ombuds.web.cern.ch