V4 OmbudsLink Formed to Promote University Ombuds in Central Europe

University Ombuds in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia have launched a regional network through a new initiative, “V4 OmbudsLink: Fostering Collaboration Across Borders.” The project is funded by the International Visegrad Fund and coordinated by the Czech Ombuds Platform in Education (ŠOP, Školská Ombuds Platforma) with partners the Academic Network for Safety and Equality in Poland (ASBiR, Akademicka Sieć Bezpieczeństwa i Równości) and the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia (UCM), and has support from the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education (ENOHE). 

The project aims to build capacity for Ombuds offices in the Visegrad Group countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) through joint working groups, research, workshops, and the creation of a multilingual “toolbox” of practical guidance. Organizers hope that this will:

• Consolidate and enhance the collaboration between ŠOP and ASBiR;
• Promote the Ombuds concept in Slovakia; and 
• Stimulate development of Ombuds programs within the Hungarian academic sector.

Currently, three groups are at work: 

Beginners – How to Support New Ombuds? 

Chaired by Zuzana Andreska (Charles University / Czech Academy of Sciences), the group will focus on how to support new Ombuds. The group aims to consolidate existing knowledge, provide guidance to those newly appointed, and articulate the institutional benefits of establishing Ombuds offices at universities. 

Promotion – How to Raise the Profile of Ombuds Work Within and Beyond Academia?

Chaired by Vladimíra Hladíková (University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava), the group will address how to raise the profile of Ombuds work within and beyond academia. It will develop strategies for outreach, public awareness, and communication skills to strengthen the visibility of Ombuds. 

Accountability – How Can Ombuds Earn and Sustain Trust?

Chaired by Jan Gałkowski (University of Rzeszów), the group will consider how Ombuds can earn and sustain trust. The group will assess current practices in the V4 countries and develop recommendations to strengthen accountability through clear mandates, transparent reporting, and adherence to professional standards.

Each Working Group will contribute a dedicated chapter to a final publication – a comprehensive “toolbox” – which will serve both as a reference manual and as a source of practical guidance. V4 OmbudsLink intends to publish these chapters and other materials in English, Czech, Polish, and Slovak, before a conference scheduled for November 2026 in Trnava, Slovakia. (ASBiR; UCM News.)

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