This post explores a few stories from the past year that offer insights for the future of the Ombuds profession. From the expansion of Ombuds in Canada’s federal sector to evolving debates about the merits of embedded versus outsourced Ombuds, the field continues to adapt to shifting organizational and societal landscapes. One regulatory change — the U.S. Department of Education’s recognition of Ombuds as a confidential resource — highlighted growing institutional support for the role. Meanwhile, the surge of global student protests and the implications of a new U.S. presidential administration have tested the resilience and adaptability of Ombuds professionals.
Here are the most significant developments of 2024, somewhat in chronological order.
Federal Ombuds in Canada Surge
Over the past two years, the number of Organizational Ombuds in Canadian government ministerial departments and central agencies have grown steadily. New programs have been established and existing offices have expanded, driven in part by a recent policy requiring Ombuds for most units. The Office of Shared Ombuds Services is allowing smaller departments and agencies access to Ombuds services. There are now 28 Ombuds providing services to 54 organizations. Many gathered at the University of Saint Paul in Ottawa for the first conference about Ombuds in May. The growth of Organizational Ombuds in Canada is also notable because most of the provincial, municipal, and local governmental Ombuds are Classical. A 2024 change in legislative drafting guidelines favoring the use of "Ombuds" underscored the shift in the federal sector.
Debate Continues Over Embedded vs Outsourced Ombuds
The big story of 2023 was the growth of MWI's outsourced Ombuds business. That success has continued in 2024. News that the American Arbitration Association expanded its online and Ombuds footprint may indicate further competition and growth in outsourced Ombuds. But this has been accompanied by vocal dissenters (and frequent commenters on this blog), who believe that Ombuds are most effective when embedded in an organization for the long term. So far, IOA has not taken a position*, but the topic is ripe for discussion at the next annual conference (with at least one panel on the topic scheduled).
* IOA eschews the use of "outsourced" and prefers "external" Ombuds. But historically, "External Ombuds" has referred to Ombuds that serve clients or customers of an organization. So this blog will continue to use "outsourced."
U.S. Department of Education Declares Ombuds are Confidential
In April, the Department of Ed updated its guidance for Title IX (the 1972 law that bars gender discrimination in federally-funded schools) and, for the first time, clearly stated that Ombuds are a confidential resource for students. The change came after years of lobbying by IOA and provided clarity for Ombuds. Although the immediate impact was limited to public education, the initial reaction was hope that this could be influential in other sectors. That enthusiasm was dampened by the potential for a significant change in education policy with the new presidential administration (see below).
Student Protests Challenge Ombuds
In the spring of 2024, pro-Palestinian protests erupted on university campuses across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elsewhere. The situation echoed the Vietnam War protests in the late 1960's that led to the first campus Ombuds. Many Ombuds struggled with their response, even after putting aside their beliefs and personal connections to the Gaza War. Some Ombuds became involved, at the request of their administration or at their own initiative. On the other hand, many Ombuds saw the situation as fraught with dangers to their ethical standards. There were no easy answers and there is always the chance that another social or political issue will affect Ombuds and their organizations in the future.
Presidential Election has Ombuds Waiting to Exhale
With the election of Donald Trump, many Ombuds are wondering about the professional landscape for the next four years. Already, many organizations have cut Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and programs, which are often considered allies. Ombuds are concerned that they may be next in line, especially if federal budget cuts or a national recession impact organizations. Anticipating federal HR changes, many agencies accelerated hiring processes so their Ombuds programs would be fully staffed before the inauguration. Only time will tell if these worries are valid.
Related posts:
- The Ombuds Decade in Review;
- 11 Stories that Shaped the Ombuds Profession in the 2010's;
- 2020 Year in Review: Transitions; 2020 Year in Review: Signs of Hope; 2020 Year in Review: Courage and Crises;
- 2021 Year in Review: Transitions; 2021 Year in Review: Responding to Challenges; 2021 Year in Review: Setting the Stage for Positive Change
- 2022 Year in Review: Transitions; 2022 Year in Review: Cheers & Jeers; 2022 Year in Review: The Big Trends;
- 2023 Year in Review: Transitions; 2023 Year in Review: Top Posts, Cheers/Jeers, and Courage; 2023 Year in Review: The Big Story
- 2024 Year in Review: Transitions.
I agree with your take on the term "external ombuds." We already borrowed the term "ombuds" from classical ombuds, necessitating the need to add qualifiers such as "external" to distinguish organizational ombuds from other ombuds roles. To then co-opt the term "external ombuds" would add further confusion. And while we're on the subject, shouldn't IOA be IOOA (International Organizational Ombuds association)? It focuses just on organizational ombuds from what I can tell, not other forms. There are other organizations for the other forms of ombuds out there, such as USOA, and I think having so many different types of roles all under the "ombuds/ombudsman" umbrella term causes confusion about the role of organizational ombuds. People who have come across elderly care or military ombuds might incorrectly assume they understand the organizational ombuds role.
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