Tom A. Kosakowski's Blog – April 2010 Archive (7)

First Report About Standard & Poor's New Ombuds Program Raises Questions About Usage

In January 2009, the financial services and publishing giant, announced the creation of ombuds office to address concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the rating process as well as analytical and governance processes. The move was promised by S&P's President Deven Sharma in her testimony to Congress when the company found itself accused of ethical lapses that contributed to the current credit market crisis. The decision by S&P also reflected a trend in the… Continue

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 30, 2010 at 1:30pm — No Comments

Financial Reform Legislation Presents Opportunity for Ombuds

As the U.S. Senate grapples with legislation that would overhaul financial regulation, two proposed ombuds programs could become an issue for lawmakers. The recently approved House bill would create ombuds programs for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). As currently drafted, the Senate bill does not.

In December, the House of Representatives passed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (HR… Continue

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 26, 2010 at 4:30pm — No Comments

Who's Hiring Ombuds? (April 2010 Edition)

There has been an uptick in openings for Organizational Ombuds. Job postings from the past 30 days include:

Cleveland Clinic (Florida);
University of Ottawa (Ontario);…

Continue

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 20, 2010 at 5:30am — No Comments

Recent University Ombuds Hires Reflect Diversity of Experience

Over the past 30 days, North American universities have hired seven new Organizational Ombudsmen. A survey reveals a wide range of backgrounds. This richness exemplifies the field: Ombuds are expected to be conversant in a wide range of issues. Here's a summary of the appointments and the prior position of the new Ombuds.

Oklahoma State University --…

Continue

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 19, 2010 at 1:30pm — No Comments

DC Area Ombuds Group Meets April 20

Ombuds in the Washington, DC area meet monthly and will gather next at the Red Cross on April 20. The group is open to all types of Ombuds and others interested in the field. (Ombuds Blog.)

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 14, 2010 at 6:29pm — No Comments

Forum of Canadian Ombuds Will Offer Training in September

The FCO Institute will offer its first course on Ombuds fundamentals on September 20 and 21, 2010, at the Macdonald Block in Toronto. The training is designed for new and intermediate-level Classical Ombuds staff and complaint-handlers. The cost for non-members is $500 CDN and includes lunches and a reception. (Ombuds Blog.)

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 14, 2010 at 6:27pm — No Comments

Introduction to the Ombuds Blog

I began publishing the Ombuds Blog in November 2006, shortly after began working as an ombudsperson for UCLA. I had previously worked as an attorney, handling attorney discipline and legal malpractice cases, and I was familiar with rich array of resources for attorneys. I quickly realized, on the other hand, that the organizational ombuds field was still evolving into a profession. Although the field had developed significantly in just a… Continue

Added by Tom A. Kosakowski on April 12, 2010 at 1:30pm — 2 Comments