| ISSUE MANAGEMENT (OMBUDS PROGRAMS) |
| RWA helps an organization to ensure that issues, conflicts and malfeasance are surfaced and resolved early without the fear of retaliation. We help organizations establish Ombuds programs. An Ombuds provides confidential, off-the-record and neutral guidance in safely surfacing and resolving work-related problems objectively and fairly. |
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An Ombuds does not replace formal issue resolution functions (e.g., human resources, ethics, help lines, line management); it complements and supplements them with additional capabilities. An Ombuds: |
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Listens to and helps clarify concerns |
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Provides confidential guidance, information, and coaching |
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Helps identify and evaluate resolution options through formal channels or informal processes |
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Facilitates discussions and provides informal mediation or shuttle diplomacy |
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Identifies issue trends, opportunities for improvement and changes to prevent issues from recurring. |
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An Ombuds program is independent of, and outside of, management structure. Conversations with an Ombuds are off-the-record. Therefore, an Ombuds can provide complete confidentiality, anonymity, official neutrality and informality. |
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Ombuds are increasingly important in governmental, corporate and academic organizations. |
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An Ombuds assists in achieving outcomes consistent with fairness, values, regulations and the law |
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An Ombuds practices to professional standards of practice and code of ethics. |
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An Ombuds will not: |
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Take sides |
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Breach confidentiality |
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Conduct formal nor in-depth investigations |
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Determine policy |
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Make management decisions |
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Substitute for formal channels |
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Accept notice on behalf of company |
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