IOA Press Release Highlights Multiple Studies Recommending Ombuds for Sexual Misconduct Response Programs

In a press briefing this week, the International Ombudsman Association touted the "growing number of prominent research organizations that recommend ombuds programs for confronting sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and for helping whistleblowers and others who come forward with concerns over misconduct." IOA pointed to studies released over the past by year by the Urban Institute, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the National Academy of Sciences, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

IOA Executive Director Chuck Howard said, “There seems to be a growing consensus around the value of ombuds programs as an important tool to help organizations combat sexual harassment and discrimination – as well as to help people and their organizations deal with conflict and other issues – in a variety of academic, government and corporate workplace settings.” He was optimistic that more employers will embrace Ombuds in the future.” (IOA Press Release.)

Related posts: IOA Signs on to National Academies' Initiative to Prevent Sexual Misconduct; NASEM Report on Mentoring Recommends Wider Use of Ombuds; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Back Ombuds for Sexual Harassment Response; Urban Institute White Paper Endorses Ombuds to Address STEM Harassment; Study Finds Ombuds are 'What Works' for Diversity and Inclusion.