IOA Annual Report Reveals Plans for Organizational and Strategic Change

The International Ombudsman Association has published its 2012 Annual Report, which shows that the professional body is working on a number of internal changes.  Based on feedback received at its last conference, the IOA Board has identified three initiatives for the coming year.

Organizational Analysis: After engaging in a Request for Proposals process, the IOA Board contracted with an organizational consultant to: (1) identify current and future management needs of the association; (2) assess current management’s capability in meeting those needs, including Board and committee structures; (3) compare IOA management costs to industry benchmarks; (4) determine whether IOA should have an executive director and what it would involve to engage one; and (5) report findings and recommendations to the IOA Board of Directors. The Board will share these findings and recommendations and after careful analysis will move forward with recommendations to improve Association management.

Leadership Coordination: IOA committees play a vital role in sustaining and enhancing the Association. In fact, IOA would not exist but for the dedication and hard work of committee chairs and volunteers. In an effort to improve communication and collaboration among and between IOA committees and the Board, IOA initiated periodic leadership conference calls. These meetings provide opportunities for committees and the Board to share ideas, collaborate on initiatives, discover synergies, and work towards shared goals, including strategic planning.

Strategic Planning: In early 2012, the Board entered into strategic planning, taking into consideration input collected from the membership regarding the future of IOA. At its August 2012 in-person meeting, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to the mission of IOA “to support and advance the global Organizational Ombudsman profession and ensure that practitioners work to the highest professional standards.” This mission also includes “assisting in the establishment of Organizational Ombudsman offices.” As the Board looked to the future of IOA, it renewed its focus on its mission and identified a possible future vision: that all major organizations will have an Organizational Ombudsman. The Board also affirmed its intention to continue to build IOA’s ability to serve organizations around the world in the coming years. 

The report also highlighted the work of several standing committees.  (IOA Annual Reports.)

Related post:  IOA Elects Officers for 2013-14 Terms.