Whether it is in a university, the government or a medical facility, an ombudsman can be found. The candidate is entrusted with highly confidential information about the organization and its constituents. There is a high degree of integrity, communication skills, gathering and analysis of information, resolving conflicts, and good decision-making.
The ombudsman mediates between two parties and serves as an intermediary. Listening to complaints, participating in the investigation and resolution of the complaints, constituent education about their rights, providing consultation in a confidential manner, and recommending strategies to resolve conflicts are the ombudsman’s duties. The ombudsman has a high-profile role in the organization being served.
By Appointment or Election
The organization appoints the ombudsman to represent public interest. The constituency elects the ombudsman at times. For this prestigious position, the ombudsman is the national human rights institution. In government, the ombudsman protects the people against illegal government activity. On the ombudsman’s part, legal proceedings are not initiated. In a private company, the ombudsman has a special role without being involved in management decisions.
Direct reporting is done to the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors. The ombudsman exercises the appropriate dispute resolution sensibility that includes a broad range of processes. For this role, the ombudsman also becomes knowledgeable of the new issues being experienced in the company that need resolution.
Outside the United States
An ombudsman can function differently in every country. In the United Kingdom, this role is synonymous to that of the Westminster Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Welsh Assembly. A Member of Parliament mentions the complaint to the ombudsman. A so-called mal-administration has occurred and needs to be investigated. China has the equivalent of the ombudsman in the role of the Control Yuan. Norway lets the Ombudsman be strict in enforcing the Norwegian Gender Equality Act and Discrimination Act. Norway has an ombudsman for children that improves legislation that concerns the welfare of children.
Canada has several provincial ombudsmen who seek to protect the interests of the public. There is no national ombudsman to entertain public complaints about the government. There is an ombudsman in every department of the federal government. The citizens are represented in this prestigious position. In the European Union, the Ombudsman is attentive to the corporate claims of bad administration in Europe. The Commissioner for Administrative Complaints in Hong Kong does the work of an ombudsman. In Australia, the commonwealth ombudsman is responsible for receiving complaints from individual citizens about government decisions.
Estonia has the Chancellor of Justice who functions as its ombudsman. The Estonian ombudsman is expected to protect individual rights. Good governance needs to be achieved in the government. Without it, the ombudsman is in trouble. The parliament appoints the Estonian ombudsman. It seeks to guard the Constitution of Estonia and the individual rights of the citizens. When the Supreme Court conducts proceedings, this powerful position can submit its opinion. The Estonian ombudsman can initiate proceedings related to discrimination. The powers of the executive and legislative branches of government are reviewed. These have to conform to the Constitution.
