Colorado's Chief Justice Says Reforms to Include Ombuds

In an address to the state legislature, Chief Justice Brian Boatright of the Colorado Supreme Court outlined three priorities to reform the state's judicial discipline system. (Calls for changes in the judicial branch have been prompted by conflict between the Colorado Commission on Judicial Disclosure and the Colorado Supreme Court arising out of widespread allegations of judicial misconduct.) An Organizational Ombuds program was the first goal he identified.

Chief Justice Boatwright's three priorities are: 1. An Organizational Ombuds to “act as a guide for employees when they have concerns” and to “provide a safe place for employees to get assistance, resources and support for workplace issues involving non-judge staff”; 2. Updating HR practices to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion; and 3. Increasing compensation and improving training to reduce turnover and increase employee satisfaction. These reform efforts will require budgetary support from the Colorado legislature. (Colorado News Online.)

Related post: Judicial Reform Efforts in Colorado May Lead to an Ombuds Program.