Ombuds Standards and Ethics

Standards & best practices Ombuds follows

• International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• American Bar Association's Standards for the Establishment and Operation of Ombuds Offices
• Declaration of Best Practices for University of California Ombuds Offices (pdf)

The Ombuds office:

• explores non-escalating approaches for dealing with your concern
• gives a fresh, impartial perspective
• provides information about resources and formal review processes
• maintains the greatest possible flexibility
• ensures that stakeholders retain control of options

An Ombudsman DOESN'T:

• handle negotiations of contracts or other legal issues
• act as a decision-maker or draw conclusions
• formally investigate, make formal recommendations or findings of fact
• replace, override, or influence formal review or appeal mechanisms
• serve as an intermediary when legal action is involved or when legal counsel represents a party

What is the role of the Ombuds Program outside the Laboratory?

• to provide an informal alternative for communication and complaint resolution for businesses working with the Laboratory
• to provide Department of Energy mandated assistance to businesses involved in licensing, CRADA, and other tech transfer issues
• to assist community stakeholders who have a concern about their dealings with the Laboratory