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IOA Foundations of the Organizational Ombuds Course

About the Course

The Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course is offered multiple times each year virtually and in person.

The IOA Foundations Course is designed for new practicing organizational ombuds and covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.

This flagship course is primarily designed for new practicing organizational ombuds and covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality. 

This fundamental three-day experience* is packed with information on how to work with visitors, how to act as a change agent within an organization, and how to practice some of the key ombuds skills necessary for success. The course is taught by an experienced and highly committed faculty of ombuds who will share best practices around running an effective office as well as evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of that office.

Participants of this course will learn how to...

• Recognize key characteristics and skills of effective ombuds.
• Apply the ethical principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
• Use new strategies to build trust and show compassion with visitors.
• Demonstrate impartial listening techniques, including how to paraphrase, reflect, and reframe.
• Analyze visitor issues to identify positions, related feelings, and underlying interests.
• Better assist visitors in exploring and defining options.
• See the interdependence between how ombuds serve visitors and serve the organization at large.
• Align the ombuds function with the overall vision, mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Work more effectively with organizational leadership.
• Address common challenges to conveying the value and impact of ombuds work.
• Appreciate the uniqueness and complexity of the ombuds role.
• Recognize the dimensions and parameters of the organizational ombuds role.
• Reflect on their own personal relationship to the role.
• Learn best practices.
• Identify resources to learn more.
• Build a community of practice.

This course is also beneficial for anyone desiring to enter the ombuds profession or establish an ombuds function within an organization. This course applies to ombuds programs in organizational settings. (Ex. industry, government, education, and public or private social services agencies). It does not address some features unique to other models of ombuds practice, such as classical, advocate, or legislative.

Please note this course does not address some features unique to other models of ombuds practice, such as classical, advocate, or legislative.

Foundations for practicing ombuds will be offered virtually in January, February, April, August, September, and December 2024 and also in-person in July (San Francisco, CA, USA) and October (Providence RI, USA) 2024. *Virtual Foundations are scheduled Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT and in-person Foundations are scheduled for three days.

IOA also offers other focused courses that address organizational ombuds practice: In May 2024, we are offering a special Foundations for those who are not practicing ombuds. This includes those who support ombuds offices, those in related fields (i.e. mediators, coaches and other ADR practitioners), and those interested in learning more about the model in order to set up an office.

In September 2024, we will offer a special Foundations Course in Ottawa Canada for those who practice to IOA Standards or are interested in the IOA model.

In November 2024, we will also offer a special Foundations for those ombuds who have collateral or other duties assigned to them in addition to the ombuds role. This course will spend more time addressing the unique challenges for those who wear multiple hats. Note: Collateral Duty Ombuds may also enroll in any of the virtual or in-person courses for practicing ombuds.

"I took the IOA’s first virtual Foundations Course back in October of 2020, and I found it to be a very valuable experience. The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging, the material was presented in an organized way, and there were plenty of opportunities for both small-group and large-group discussions. I also enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and learn from colleagues all over the world without having to deal with the expenses normally associated with travel."

— Dr. Julia Farmer, IOA Member

2024 IOA Foundations Course Schedule

The Foundations Course is designed for recently appointed ombuds. You must hold an ombuds position to register. If you do not currently hold an ombuds position and/or you are exploring becoming an ombuds or are interested in learning about the organizational ombuds role, you may register for the May 2024 course. Additional courses for aspiring ombuds may be scheduled later in the year based on demand. 

2024 Course Dates
Registration generally opens three months prior to each course on a rolling basis. Dates that are not linked below are subject to change.

• 08 – 11 January | Virtual SOLD OUT!
  
• 12 – 15 February | Virtual SOLD OUT!
  
• 11 – 14 March | Virtual SOLD OUT!
• 08 - 11 April | Virtual SOLD OUT!
  
• 13 - 16 May | Virtual Special Course for Aspiring Ombuds SOLD OUT
• The May course will be reserved for aspiring ombuds and others who are interested in learning about the organizational ombuds role who are not currently practicing ombuds.
• 22 - 24 July | In-Person (San Francisco, CA, USA) Please email the IOA Office if you are interested in the July In-Person Foundations Course for potential available spots. 
  
• 12 - 15 August | Virtual OPEN NOW!
  
• 09 - 12 September | Virtual REGISTRATION CLOSED!
• 16 - 18 September | In-Person (Ottawa, Canada) OPEN NOW!
  • Please note that if you are a classical ombuds, or are in an ombuds role that conducts investigations or formal fact-finding, the IOA Course is not recommended. Instead, we encourage you to explore the FCO training done in conjunction with Osgoode in Toronto.
• 16-17 & 26 September | Virtual, Introduction to the Organizational Ombuds (*special Offering for European Community) OPEN NOW!
• 28 - 30 October | In-Person (Providence, RI, USA) OPEN NOW!
• 04 - 07 November | Virtual Special Course for Collateral Duty Ombuds
• 02 - 05 December | Virtual

Want to know when space becomes available in a sold-out course?

Join 2024 Course Interest List

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