The Ombuds Blog: Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons Publishes Standards of Practice

August 24, 2012

Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons Publishes Standards of Practice

At its meeting on June 8, 2012, ACCUO adopted its first Standards of Practice, which are intended to serve as a guide for Canadian post-secondary Ombuds offices, while acknowledging "distinct institutional contexts."

The standards comprise four principles:

Independence
Impartiality
Confidentiality
Accessibility

It also identifies five functions and responsibilities:

Information and Advice
Intervention (conflict resolution and investigation)
Recommendations
Reporting
Integrity of Service

The standards are published in both English and French. (ACCUO Announcements, Standards of Practice.)

1 comment:

Tom Kosakowski8/24/2012 11:14 AM
Despite no insight on the actual process, I'll bet these standards are the result of years of thoughtful discussion and negotiation involving dozens of individuals. This is a significant reference point for the profession. It should be considered by all ombuds, not just those in Canada or higher education.
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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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