Contract Ombudsman Services
The word ‘ombudsman’ dates back to 1809 when the Swedish Parliament created a new official known as the Justitie-Ombudsman, referring to public officials appointed to investigate citizens’ complaints against governmental agencies. Ombudsman loosely translates as ‘citizen's defender’ or ‘representative of the people’. In Swedish the word ‘ombudsman’ is without gender and can indicate a person of either sex. However, it is becoming common to use the term ‘ombudsperson’ in lieu of ombudsman.
An Ombudsperson is a designated neutral person who provides confidential and informal assistance in resolving concerns and disagreements. An ombudsperson investigates complaints, reports findings, and mediates fair settlements, especially between an individual or group of individuals; and an institution or organization. As an independent, impartial, and confidential party, the Ombudsperson serves as an alternative means of dispute resolution by which issues may be raised, considered, given appropriate referral, and/or resolved.
The Ombudsperson can assist in resolving your situation in many ways:
• Listen to you
• Answer your questions
• Analyze your situation
• Explain policies and procedures
• Provide information and advice
• Explore solutions
• Help untangle bureaucratic red tape
• Suggest appropriate referrals
• Assist you in pursuing a resolution
• Advise administration of significant trends
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures
Consider hiring an independent contract Ombudsman to build trust in the process.