The International Ombudsman Association will offer several training opportunities for and about Organizational Ombuds the week of October 20-24, 2014. The programs include introductory, intermediate and advanced topics.

Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice

This course covers the fundamentals of the organizational Ombudsman role. It provides basic information and training for the organizational Ombudsman by emphasizing the principles of confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and informality.

The three-day course focuses on how the Ombudsman works with the visitor to the office as well as how they act as a change agent within their organization. The course will allow you to practice key Ombudsman skills of listening, asking questions, clarifying, generating options, and moving to actions throughout the Ombudsman Process. In addition, an experienced and highly committed faculty of Ombudsmen will share best practices around setting up an office and evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of the office.

Faculty: TBA

Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners Series

In the absence of formal Organizational Ombudsman (OO) education and  training, practitioners commonly draw from their own educational and professional backgrounds for applicable approaches and knowledge.  This three-day course explores proven academic theories and professional techniques that help OO practitioners work effectively with visitors and respondents.

Instructors: Sean Banks, Director of Ombuds Services and Corporate Ombuds for the Shell Oil Company; Donna Louden, Ombuds at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and Belinda Newman, Ombuds at the University of North Texas

The Next Step for New or Growing Programs

This course will follow and compliment the Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice course. This course will concentrate on how to communicate the value and benefits of an Ombudsman function internally to management who are considering starting an Ombudsman Office, and from the outside if you are an entrepreneur.

Faculty: Wendy Friede, CO-OP

Systemic Dynamics & Factors in Organizational Ombudsman Work

Course description TBA

Faculty: TBA

Morning

Legislative and Legal Matters for Organizational Ombudsman relating to Title IX, VAWA, Clery, and Other Topics

Course description TBA

Faculty: TBA

Afternoon

Working with Individuals Who Are Accusers and Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Course description TBA

Faculty: TBA

The training will take place at the Hotel Solamar. (IOA October 2014 Training Info.)