Too Many Mediators

Diane Levin at the Mediation Channel suggests that the proliferation of mediation training programs has created a surplus of mediators. As a result, too many recent college graduates are unable to find work in the competitive ADR job market. Although Levin does not believe that we should stop training people to be mediators, she argues that there should be better disclosure to those seeking to enter the field. (Mediation Channel.)

Government Manual Suggests Using Bureaucracy as Sabotage

A declassified 1944 field manual from the US Strategic Services, explains how to train people to sabotage their workplace. The list of suggestions include what have become common management practices six decades later:

• Insist on doing everything through “channels.” Never permit short-cuts to be taken in order to expedite decisions.
• When possible, refer all matters to committees, for “further study and considera­tion.” Attempt to make the committees as large as possible — never less than five.
• Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible.
• Haggle over precise wordings of com­munications, minutes, resolutions.
• Advocate “caution.” Be “reasonable” and urge your fellow-conferees to be “reason­able” and avoid haste which might result in embarrassments or difficulties later on.
• Be worried about the propriety of any decision — raise the question of whether such action as is contemplated lies within the juris­ diction of the group or whether it might conflict with the policy of some higher echelon.

(Enterprise 2.0, via BoingBoing.)

Just a funny perspective on some of the things Ombuds often work against.

Pepperdine Opens Ombuds Office

Pepperdine University, home of one of the leading institutes for dispute resolution, has created an Ombuds office for faculty and staff (including student workers). James C. “Chip” Moore has been appointed University Ombuds. Previously, Moore served as Pepperdine's director of Personnel Services and later as Chief Human Resources Officer. He is a graduate of Pepperdine with a bachelor’s in history and languages and a master’s in business administration. Moore also earned a master’s in international relations from the University of Southern California. Moore has directed Pepperdine's fall and summer programs in Heidelberg, Germany, and served there as a member of the faculty. (Pepperdine Ombuds; Pepperdine Today.)

House Bill Would Create VA Ombuds Office

In response to confusion veterans face when trying to arrange benefits, the House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee has approved H.R. 2192 that would create an Ombuds office within the Veterans Affairs Department. According to the draft legislation, the VA Office of the Ombudsman would act as a liaison for veterans and their family members with respect to the receipt of VA health care and benefits and protect the confidentiality of information provided to the Office. The VA, however, does not support the bill, reasoning that it would create an unnecessary level of bureaucracy within the VA. (Government Executive; Bill Status.)

Job Posting: Santa Clara County DFCS

The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services, Dispute Resolution & Ombuds Programs is hiring an Associate Ombuds for a one-year contract. The position will help establish the program. A bachelor's degree and relevant experienced are required. (References to TOA and SPDR indicate that this program has been in the works for some time.) Salary ranges from $60,000 to 69,999; applications are due by August 1. (SCC Position Summary, via Straus Institute Jobs.)

Job Posting: Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser is accepting applications for a HealthCare Ombudsman / Mediator in San Francisco. Health care experience is preferred. No closing date or salary indicated. (HotJobs.)

Job Posting: George Mason

George Mason University is accepting applications for a Faculty Employee Relations Partner. This new position "will act as ombudsperson for faculty issues including coaching, mediation, team building, stress management, work/life balance, interpersonal conflict, work-related and personal concerns, and performance issues and other issues that may arise." A master's degree is highly preferred; and extensive related work experience, preferably in the public sector or higher education is required. (GMU Jobs, via SHRM.)

Since the position is part of HR, there is some comfort in the fact that it is not titled as an "Ombuds." However, GMU faculty may be suspicious (and rightly so) that they will truly receive confidential consultations from HR.

Job Posting: Customs & Border Protection

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking one or more Ombuds for the Customs and Border Protection Agency. The position reports to the Office of the Commissioner and will be responsible for employee complaints, disputes, and disagreements regarding the application of agency policies and procedures. In addition, the Ombuds will provide advice to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner on a wide variety of policies, procedures, and issues having a major impact on CBP management. Informality, impartiality and confidentiality are emphasized in the job description. Proof of citizenship and a background check are required; annual salary ranges from $115,317. to $149,000. Applications are due June 11! (Federal Government Jobs, vacancy no. WAS-193490-AGO.)

Related posts: Profile of New Immigration Ombuds; Customs & Border Protection Job Posting; US Immigration Officials Rejects Ombuds' Reform Proposal; Historian: Homeland Security Ombuds Unable to Stem Erosion of Civil Liberties.

(Not So New) Ombuds at Kenyon College

In March 2007, Kenyon College appointed alumna Robin Goodstein as its first, dedicated Ombuds for employees. Previously, the quarter-time position was filled by the three-quarter time equal opportunity officer. Goodstein background includes a variety of experiences with law and education, which led her into many different fields, including teaching, freelance writing, writing for websites and college counseling. After graduating from Kenyon in 1987, she earned an MA in English from Georgetown University in 1991 and a JD from American University-Washington College of Law, in 1998. (Kenyon Collegian; Kenyon News.)

It's heartening to see that Kenyon saw the wisdom in separating the Ombuds and EEO functions. This moves brings their office into line with IOA best practices and clarifies the role of the Ombuds as a confidential, informal and neutral resource and distinctly different than the role of EEO.

Texas School Officials Debate Need for Ombuds

An article in the Dallas Morning News surveys the debate among local school district administrators over the value of organizational Ombuds. Counting the number of school ombudsmen in Texas is difficult. But Beverly Reeves, an Austin school ombudsman, says there are about a half-dozen, including Arlington, Austin and Fort Bend school districts. Greg Gibson, superintendent of the Crowley Independent School District, says the number of formal grievances filed with his district has "significantly declined" since an Ombuds was hired. A sidebar to the article explains what a school ombudsman does and does not. (Dallas Morning News.)

National Association of Corporate Directors Newsletter Touts Ombuds as Essential for Effective Board Governance

NACD, the national organization that promotes corporate board standards, publishes a monthly newsletter for its 17,500 members and customers. The latest issue of Directors Monthly features an article by Jonathan E. McBride and James S. Hostetler, "Board Champions for the Ombudsman." The authors argue that Organizational Ombuds are one of the most powerful governance tools available to corporate boards achieve best practices in governance, risk management, and compliance:

To practice governance and risk management powerfully and effectively, CEOs, boards, and audit committee chairs must integrate effective ombuds programs into the DNA of twenty-first century corporations. Ultimately, directors should become "champions" for the critical role organizational ombudsmen can play in corporate America.

(Directors Monthly, via McBride Associates; NACD.)

This is an outstanding article from a credible source that can be used to promote and defend Ombuds in any organization with a governing board.

Related post: Sloan Management Review: Hire Ombuds to to Resolve Board Disputes.

National Mediation Board Publishes Ombuds Charter

The National Mediation Board has released the charter for its Organizational Ombuds Office. The charter reaffirms NMB’s commitment to its workplace ADR program, and brings the office in line with the “Standards for the Establishment and Operations of Ombuds Offices” established by the American Bar Association as annotated by the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen and the Federal Interagency ADR Working Group Steering Committee. (NMB Ombuds Charter.)

Related post: Interview: Ombuds & Director of ADR Services for National Mediation Board.

FDA Ombuds Issues Annual Report

The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Ombuds Office has issued a report summarizing its activities in 2007. In total, the CDER Ombuds received 660 communications, the vast majority of which came via electronic mail and phone. Half of the contacts came from the pharmaceutical industry and researchers, 40% from consumers and health care professionals, and 10% from CDER employees. The report also marked the retirement of Warren Rumble, who served as the CDER Ombuds since 2001, and the appointment of Virginia L. Behr.

Although the job posting for the CDER Ombuds position seemed in conflict with IOA and USOA standards, the CDER Ombuds Annual Report specifically states:

The CDER Ombudsman’s Office draws its ethical principles and standards from those established by the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen, USOA, and the International Ombudsman Association. These include standards for ensuring confidentiality, neutrality, independence, a credible review process, and informality. The Office reports to the Director of the Office of Executive Programs within the Office of the Center Director. The Ombudsman is a member of the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen.

This is a notable change from the prior five annual reports, which stated that the CDER Ombuds was "a member of the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen, and the American Association of Ombudsmen." Whatever that is. (FDA CDER Ombuds Report.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Interim Ombuds at U Miami

The University of Miami has appointed Devang Desai as its Interim Ombudsperson and Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Desai earned his A.B. and J.D. from Miami and has been very active as an alumni. Following graduation, he worked as the Legal Officer for Student Discipline through the Office of the Dean of Students. There is no information regarding the duration of the appointment or whether the university will undertake a search for a permanent Ombuds. (U Miami Alumni Assn.)

Job Posting: Savannah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design has revised its search for a Ombuds. Ths position will now serve students (in addition to faculty and staff), and the on-line and Lacoste, France campuses (in addition to Savannah and Atlanta). A master's degree is required with three years experience in a similar role. Successful candidates will possess mediation or conflict resolution experience; training or certification; and excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy. Experience in academia, resolving issues for students, faculty and staff is preferred. (SCAD Jobs, posting no. 0400810.)

Prior: Job Posting.