The Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen has completed work on a roadmap for structuring and implementing Ombuds programs. The 110-page guide presents strategies for either workplace or external Ombuds programs that “best fit” an organization. This guide will become the standard reference for federal Ombuds in the US and should be consulted by state and local government Ombuds as well. (COFO Unified Model for Developing an Ombudsman Function.)The COFO has also updated its website with minutes from its most recent meetings. These reveal that the group continues work on a model Ombuds act and job series study. (COFO Meeting Minutes.)
Related post: SBA Ombuds Offers Model for State and Local Goverment Offices.
The flaw in the FOG is the acceptance and reliance on American Bar Association definitions of an ombudsman while claiming to not "embrace" all ABA ombudsman standards. Of even more concern is the acknowledged pre-positioning of all Federal Ombuds Agencies to be "sued" and have law suits filed against them. Is this independent? Again the ABA positions their professional association as the legal authority over all others including all branches of our government.
ReplyDeleteThe decision by COFO to reference the ABA standards appears to be motivated by COFO, not by any ABA effort to "position" itself.
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