Tag: Ombuds role
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How does a discussion with the Ombud work?
How does a discussion with the Ombud work? In a previous article, I explained the framework in which the Ombud operates. I will now talk about how a discussion is conducted and what we can do together. When someone comes to see me for the first time, I always begin by reminding them of the
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Why I wanted to be the Ombud
Why I wanted to be the Ombud Like my predecessors, Vincent and Sudeshna, to whom I wish to pay tribute, I would like to share my thoughts with you in Ombud’s Corner. This first article will be a chance for you to get to know me and a chance for me to remind you of
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Things do indeed change…
Things do indeed change… “Nothing will change” is one of the complaints often heard in the Ombud’s Office. However, four years after taking on the role of the CERN Ombud and a few days before retiring, I would like to assert that things do change, albeit sometimes very slowly, and that, by addressing issues constructively,
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It’s never the tip of the iceberg…
It’s never the tip of the iceberg… Last month, CERN hosted a meeting of the European Ombuds and Mediator group, which brought together some 25 Ombuds from both the public and private sectors in Europe. It was an excellent opportunity for members of the network to connect with each other and share some of their
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The Ombud’s clock ticks on…
The Ombud’s clock ticks on… Confidentiality, impartiality, informality and independence: these are the guiding principles of the Ombud role. However, in order to have the best possible chances of a positive outcome, another important ingredient is needed: early action. Do not wait until a situation has deteriorated so far that it becomes unbearable – set
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Third letter from ombudsland: focus on fairness
Third letter from ombudsland: focus on fairness Spring is here again, and once again it is time for the annual conference of the International Ombudsman Association. In the two previous ”letters from Ombudsland”, I first reviewed the Ombud’s code of ethics and the four basic principles governing the role, and subsequently I shared a key
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Second letter from Ombudsland
Second letter from Ombudsland A few weeks ago I attended the 2015 annual conference of the International Ombudsman Association. It was the second time that I had participated in this conference (see here my report from last year) and, once again, I would like to share some of my experience with you. The annual conference
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Letter from Ombudsland
Letter from Ombudsland Early this month, over 400 Ombuds met in Denver for their annual conference and networking event. It was an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the world and to share best practices and benefit from an ongoing exchange of professional experience. Twenty-seven countries were represented at the 2014 annual conference
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The first three years
The first three years On average over the past three years, 3% of CERN staff members have used the Ombuds’ services each year. This is a reasonable figure as no institution can live without conflict. Too many cases would be worrying, as would too few: it would mean that conflicts are swept under the carpet.
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Impartiality, one of the Ombuds’ values
Impartiality, one of the Ombuds’ values In accordance with the Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsman Association, one of the main values of the Ombuds is his impartiality. In interceding in a misunderstanding or a conflict the Ombuds keeps in mind the interests of both parties as well as the interests of the organization.