DHS Policy Manual Explains Role of Office of Intelligence and Analysis Ombuds

The Office of Intelligence and Analysis is the civilian national intelligence service for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Within the last two years, I&A became one of several U.S. intelligence agencies with an Organizational Ombuds program for its workforce, with two, fulltime Ombuds. Like many Ombuds in security agencies, their identities are not public. A newly released, unclassified policy manual details how the Ombuds office operates. [Read it before it disappears.] 

In summary, the Ombuds plays a key role in promoting constructive dialogue and resolving workplace issues while remaining impartial and independent from formal grievance or investigative processes. Key points in the manual include:

• The Ombuds is an independent, neutral practitioner offering informal, confidential conflict resolution for concerns related to the I&A workforce, policies, practices, and organizational culture
• Although administratively reporting to the Director of the Transparency and Oversight Program Office (TOPO), the Ombuds reports functionally to senior I&A leadership and operates independently
• The Ombuds adheres to IOA Code of Ethics and Best Practices and collaborates with other federal officials to address cross-boundary issues
• They focus on identifying patterns, promoting communication, transparency, and collaboration, and facilitating the resolution of individual or systemic concerns
• The Ombuds provides confidentiality and can share non-attributable information to aid organizational improvement but maintains strict limits on disclosure
• They coordinate with I&A’s Workforce Management and Engagement Division on resources for administrative redress and employee wellness
• Limitations include not acting as legal counsel, participating in formal grievance processes, or making binding decisions for I&A leadership.

(DHS I&A Policy Manual 2025; Testimony of DHS I&A Under Secretary Before the House Committee on Homeland Security, June 26, 2024.)

Related posts: COFO Collaborating With Federal Agencies Creating New Ombuds Programs; Coalition of Federal Ombuds Eyes Strategic Initiatives; ACUS Finalizes Recommendation on Use of Ombuds in Federal Agencies.