International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics
The IOA is dedicated to excellence in the practice of Ombuds work. The IOA Code of Ethics provides a common set of professional ethical principles to which members adhere in their organizational Ombuds practice.
Based on the traditions and values of Ombuds practice, the Code of Ethics reflects a commitment to promote ethical conduct in the performance of the Ombuds role and to maintain the integrity of the Ombuds profession.
The Ombuds shall be truthful and act with integrity, shall foster respect for all members of the organization he or she serves, and shall promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of those organizations’ practices, processes, and policies.
The Ombuds is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.
Neutrality and Impartiality
The Ombuds, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The Ombuds does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.
Confidentiality
The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
Informality
The Ombuds, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.
The ombudsman, as a designated neutral party has the responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to his/her attention unless given permission to do otherwise. The only exception, at the sole discretion of the ombudsman, is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
The ombudsman must take all reasonable steps to protect any records and files pertaining to confidential discussions from inspection by all other persons, including management.
The ombudsman should not testify in any formal judicial or administrative hearing about concerns brought to his/her attention.
When making recommendations, the ombudsman has the responsibility to suggest actions or policies that will be equitable to all parties.
© 2006 - International Ombudsman Association
The IOA is dedicated to excellence in the practice of Ombuds work. The IOA Code of Ethics provides a common set of professional ethical principles to which members adhere in their organizational Ombuds practice.
Based on the traditions and values of Ombuds practice, the Code of Ethics reflects a commitment to promote ethical conduct in the performance of the Ombuds role and to maintain the integrity of the Ombuds profession.
The Ombuds shall be truthful and act with integrity, shall foster respect for all members of the organization he or she serves, and shall promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of those organizations’ practices, processes, and policies.
Ethical Principles
IndependenceThe Ombuds is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.
Neutrality and Impartiality
The Ombuds, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The Ombuds does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.
Confidentiality
The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
Informality
The Ombuds, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.
The ombudsman, as a designated neutral party has the responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to his/her attention unless given permission to do otherwise. The only exception, at the sole discretion of the ombudsman, is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
The ombudsman must take all reasonable steps to protect any records and files pertaining to confidential discussions from inspection by all other persons, including management.
The ombudsman should not testify in any formal judicial or administrative hearing about concerns brought to his/her attention.
When making recommendations, the ombudsman has the responsibility to suggest actions or policies that will be equitable to all parties.
© 2006 - International Ombudsman Association