The Ombuds Blog: Call for Proposals: IOA 2014 Conference

August 23, 2013

Call for Proposals: IOA 2014 Conference

Organizers of the International Ombudsman Association's ninth annual conference, set for April 6-9, 2014 in Denver, are accepting presentation proposals, and speaker and topic suggestions. The conference attracts new and experienced Organizational Ombuds from various sectors and countries, as well as individuals, organizations and agencies interested in developing Ombuds programs and/or learning about conflict management.

Desirable proposals will reflect the IOA’s mission to support and advance the global Organizational Ombuds profession and ensure that practitioners work to the highest professional standards. Suggested topics include: conflict management; cultural and global competencies; sector specific constituent issues; listening; interviewing; facilitation; coaching maximizing Ombuds’ impact on organizations; conducting training programs; working with other offices/support services in an organization; and updates on legal and regulatory frameworks that affect Ombuds. Proposals are due by September 16, 2013 at 5 pm Eastern. (IOA Call for Proposals.)

Related post: 2012 IOA Conference Roundup; IOA 2013 Conference Recap.

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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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