Office of Ombudsman Charter
The University of Michigan Ombuds Office charter was approved in October 2014. But what is a charter, and why is it important?
An ombuds charter clarifies and codifies the roles and responsibilities of the Ombudsman, reflecting a shared understanding of how the office will function within the University. As organizational ombuds, the charter articulates the principles of the ombuds role and their consistency with the International Ombuds Association standards of practice.
Specifically, the charter highlights and expands upon the standards of practice that guide my work: independence, neutrality, confidentiality, and informality. The charter also outlines both the authority given to the Ombuds Office, as well as the limits of the role.
I hope you will take a few minutes to read my charter, and consider whether the Ombuds Office may be helpful to you.