The Ombuds Blog: International Mediation Institute Reveals Certification Plans

January 29, 2008

International Mediation Institute Reveals Certification Plans

As the International Ombudsman Association considers implementing a certification program, valuable insights may be gleaned from another professional ADR organization confronting the same issues. A subcommittee of the International Mediation Institute has released proposed standards, criteria and guidelines for a mediator competency certification system and is seeking comment from practitioners. It is fascinating to see how IMI is dealing with issues of training, testing, grandfathering and discipline. (IMI Draft Standards.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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January 29, 2008

International Mediation Institute Reveals Certification Plans

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