2011 Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable Described as Successful

Organizers of the latest Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable (COOR) at M.D. Anderson say the event was a big success. Hoping to generate more interest and attendance at next year's event, COOR has released an Agenda Supplement with presentation descriptions from the roundtable on September 15-16, 2011 in Houston.

2011 Corporate Organizational
Ombuds Roundtable (COOR)

Agenda Supplement

Presentation Descriptions

1. Welcome to M. D. Anderson and Introductions by Anu Rao [bold not in original, see note below] and the M.D. Anderson Ombuds Office

2. ADR Internationally, Locally and Contractually by Dan Fontaine, Esq., M.D. Anderson Senior Vice President Business Affairs and Regulation

Introduction, background and history of the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The role of ADR and the importance of the Ombuds office in the growth of the center locally and internationally using examples of contractual language and process descriptions.

3. Purpose, Direction & Structure of COOR by Sean Banks and Anamaris Cousins Price

Call-in participation and live discussion. History of the COOR group. What should its purpose be and how can it best serve the needs of corporate organizational ombuds? The new Mission Statement. Exploration of various alternative structures for COOR going forward; hurdles to overcome, costs and benefits of independence. Selection of the Host for the next Roundtable, formation of the planning and governance committees.

4. Organizational Ombuds Shield Law Effort by Ralph Hasson

Organizational Ombuds Shield Law efforts then, now and in the future. Progress and roadblocks in previous legislative sessions from 2004 to the next session in 2013. A breakdown of the costs to champion this effort. Thanks to contributors for their efforts, time and funding. Explanation of the challenges and how to overcome them in the next legislative session. A call for support to get a shield law passed in Texas, throughout the United States and internationally.

5. Creating, Managing & Maintaining a Positive Perception of an Ombuds Program by Carol Breslin and Al Swenson

How do ombuds adhere to their charters and manage perceptions? How do you create, maintain and/or change perceptions to market Independence, Neutrality, Impartiality and Informality? Interactive discussions of working scenarios, IOA standards of practice and sharing of ombuds best practices.

6. Roundtable discussion on various topics facilitated by Mauricio Ramos

Ombuds data management, supervisors & employees working at different locations, interacting with EAP & HR, social media, technology, the need to update IOA standards of practice in light of today’s technology, ombuds effectiveness, ombuds reporting, coaching, annual reports, expectations of visitors and confidentiality, leadership changes, ombuds therapy, etc.

Potential topics for the 2012 Roundtable include technology and social media presentations to name just a few.

Special thanks to M.D. Anderson for hosting such a successful Roundtable and to Chevron, Marathon Oil, Shell and Halliburton for sponsoring the meals. Many thanks to all presenters and participants for making this a truly enjoyable professional experience. We look forward to welcoming all corporate ombuds to join us for our 2012 Roundtable.

Related posts: Corporate Ombuds Group Meeting Set for October 14-15 [2010]; Corporate Ombuds Roundtable to Meet in Houston [2011]; Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable Teleconference.

Note: The Ombuds Blog recently adopted a style rule of putting the names of Organizational Ombuds in bold type.  The original document from COOR did not distinguish the names of the participants.