1. POP Quiz What is the correct gender-neutral term? A) Ombudsman
B) Ombuds
C) Ombudsperson
D) All of the above
E) It depends on who you ask
I tend to use “Ombuds” but they are all equally bad.
I will even respond to “Ombuddy”
“Omsbuds” or “Omsbudsman” – just plain wrong
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

2. University of California, Riverside Office of the Ombuds
Staff Orientation
Andrew Larratt-Smith
Campus Ombuds
University of California, Riverside
Office of the Ombuds
390 Surge Building
(951)
Cocktail parties are fun: Introvert
Challenged myself to explain what my role is in 10 words or less.
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

3. Who Utilizes the Ombuds Office?
Anyone with a UCR related concern
Staff about a third
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith. Please do not use without permission.

4. Hypothetical
A Staff Member is having difficulty with her supervisor. She believes her supervisor is exhibiting some combination of the following behaviors:
Micro-managing her
Reprimanding her for taking sick time
Ignoring / disparaging her comments in meetings
Regularly yelling at her
What can the Staff Member do?
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

5. What can the Staff Member Do?
Lump it (do nothing)
Quit (Short-term or Long-Term)
Talk to Supervisor Directly
Talk to 2nd Line Supervisor
Talk to trusted colleague
Visit Faculty Staff Assistance program
Talk to Human Resources
Talk to Union Rep (if represented)
File a grievance / formal complaint
Go to Title IX (if sexual harassment)
Go to Affirmative Action (if treatment related to being in a protected class)
Make Whistleblower complaint (if appropriate)
Which of these is the best option?
It depends… Depends on what?
Consultation:
Confidential, explore options together, V chooses what option to pursue, Ombuds does not take any action without agreement of Visitor & Ombuds*
Other things that OO can do
-Coaches V on:
Managing situation personally
Speaking to supervisor
Speaking to 2nd line supervisor
-Clarify policy
-Obtain information anonymously for V
-Talk to Supervisor directly
-Talk to 2nd line supervisor
-Facilitate discussion with v & others
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith . Please do not use without permission.

6. Ethical Standards: The Pillars of the Ombuds Practice
CONFIDENTIALITY
INFORMALITY
IMPARTIALITY
INDEPENDENCE
Confidentiality
The Ombuds Office will not disclose information unless both the Ombuds and the visitor agree.
Exception: imminent threat of serious physical harm
Notice
Informality: Does not participate, provide E in formal processes both inside & outside UCR.
Examples of issues:
-Employee who believes co-worker or supervisor is mistreating him.
-Supervisor trying to resolve ongoing conflict between two of her staff.
-Employee wants to know more information about a formal process (whistleblower, sexual harassment investigation) but afraid to ask lest it trigger a response.
-Employee receives/anticipates negative performance appraisal, and not sure how to respond.
-Unusual problem and not sure who else to turn to (example: visitor overwhelmed by stench of co-workers lunch every day)
Tough: Livelihood at stake, Not easy to resolve overnight, evolving, Confidentiality important. OO has no magic wand
What I can promise: listen, concerns seriously, do my best to help you, be creative, keep my mouth shut, be available
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith. Please do not use without permission.

7. Pop quiz #2 What year was the UCR Ombuds Office founded? A) 1954
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds.
9/17/2018
2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.