International Ombuds Association
The International Ombuds Association is the professional association committed to
championing Organizational Ombuds worldwide. Members help organizational stakeholders
raise patterns and concerns, navigate conflict, and manage change to support highly
effective and healthy organizations.
Standards of Practice
The Standards of Practice are based upon the fundamental principles and core values
stated in the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics.
Read the standards »
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics provides practice principles and core values that are the foundation
for the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice.
Read the code »
Fundamental Principles
The Ombuds is independent in structure, function, appearance and decision-making. The Ombuds reports to the highest degree level possible within the organization and does not report to a function or entity that could affect, or be perceived as affecting, the Ombuds’ independence.
The Ombuds is a designated neutral and impartial resource who does not take sides or serve as an advocate for any person or entity. The Ombuds avoids conflicts of interest or conduct that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
The Ombuds does not participate in any evaluative, disciplinary, legal or administrative proceedings related to concerns brought to the Ombuds’ attention. The Ombuds is not authorized to make business and policy decisions or conduct formal investigations on behalf of the organization. The Ombuds is not an agent of the organization for purposes of receiving notice of claims against the organization and is not authorized to be a formal reporting channel for the organization on matters brought to the Ombuds’ attention except when specifically and expressly mandated by law.
Confidentiality is the defining characteristic of Ombuds practice. The identity of those seeking assistance from the Ombuds and all communications with them are confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Ombuds may, at their sole discretion, disclose confidential information when the person seeking assistance gives permission to do so; when failure to do so might result in an imminent risk of serious harm; or as necessary to defend against a formal complaint of professional misconduct.