IOA 2026 Conference Ombuds
Virtual Ombuds Services for Conference Participants
IOA Members Seeking Ombuds Services
If you are an IOA member who would like to contact the IOA Ombuds during the virtual conference, please use one of the confidential email addresses below. All hours are listed in PT.
Laura Smythe: [email protected]
- Schedule (PT)
Monday 13 April: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 14 April: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:20 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 15 April: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
 Tyler Smith: [email protected]
- Schedule (PT)
Tyler can be available at any time if a visitor would like to reach out to schedule a specific meeting. He has availability during and outside of the listed office hours above.
If you have general questions about the IOA Ombuds, please review the FAQ or contact the International Ombuds Association office at [email protected].
IOA Ombuds Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact the Ombuds?
By Email:
Is the IOA Ombuds an organizational ombuds?
Yes.
What is an IOA Ombuds?
The IOA Ombuds acts pursuant to the Charter for the IOA Ombuds and adheres to the IOA Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics as an independent, neutral, informal, and confidential resource for people who would like to discuss ombuds profession-related issues or concerns. The ombuds can assist a visitor in identifying or creating options for resolution, including referrals to formal channels with investigatory powers. The ombuds may be able to provide effective and confidential assistance in addressing a visitor's issue or concern, but the ombuds is not, and is not intended to be a substitute for, anyone's lawyer, representative, or counselor. The ombuds is not authorized to conduct formal investigations, determine facts or make business or policy decisions. Because the IOA Ombuds is not part of IOA management, the ombuds is not authorized to receive notice of claims or complaints against IOA or its agents or representatives.
How does an organizational ombuds differ from a lawyer?
The organizational ombuds role is quite different from that of a lawyer, who is an advocate for their client and associated with more formal processes and the legal system. An organizational ombuds maintains neutrality and impartiality when working with visitors and does not represent them. Ombuds do, however, promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of an organization's practices, processes, and policies. Though some organizational ombuds may have legal training and experience with issues of the law, they do not provide legal advice.
Is the IOA Ombuds the same as a Mediator?
No. While many ombuds are trained as mediators and often use mediation skills and techniques as one of many approaches to problem-solving and conflict management, the ombuds' role is broader than and more connected to the organization than that of a mediator. A mediator is typically an outside professional focused on helping people solve a specific issue or problem, as compared with the ombuds, who has a broader scope of work.
What sort of issues and concerns can be brought to the IOA Ombuds?
The IOA Ombuds can provide assistance with the full range of issues or concerns relating to their ombuds practice and the profession, including, among others:
- All types of identity-based concerns
- Harassment (including sexual harassment)
- Free speech and free expression
- Integrity issues / Intellectual property / Research concerns
- Conflicts of interest
- Issues related to the IOA
May I contact the IOA Ombuds for guidance concerning an issue I am having myself, and also if I have a concern about others?
People may consult with the IOA Ombuds with a concern about a colleague or about something that affects them.
Will my communications with the IOA Ombuds be confidential? Are there exceptions to this confidentiality?
Communications with the IOA Ombuds are considered confidential and will not be disclosed unless the ombuds determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm or unless, in the course of their communications, the visitor grants permission for the ombuds to make a disclosure and the ombuds determines that it is appropriate to do so.
What authority does the IOA Ombuds have? What authority does the IOA Ombuds not have?
The IOA Ombuds serves as an independent, neutral, informal, and confidential resource for visitors to discuss any concerns they may have concerning their practice or the profession. The ombuds will be able to provide information confidentially and will provide a safe place for people to discuss their concerns in a confidential way to explore options for any further action. The IOA Ombuds, however, is not authorized to serve as a place where notice of claims can be given to the IOA. Likewise, the ombuds has not been authorized to make business or policy decisions or to conduct any investigations on behalf of IOA.
Is the IOA Ombuds part of a formal complaint procedure?
No. The IOA Ombuds is an informal and purely voluntary resource. No one is required to use it, but those who do will be deemed to have agreed to respect and abide by the principles on which it was created and not to call the Ombuds to testify or produce documents related to confidential communications in any administrative or legal proceeding. IOA has also agreed not to call the IOA Ombuds to testify or produce documents with respect to confidential communications in any administrative or legal proceedings.
Does the IOA Ombuds report to the IOA on issues they deal with?
The IOA Ombuds—without breaching the confidentiality of any communications by people using the services—will provide the IOA with feedback on the nature of issues raised and any insights or observations about systemic issues relating to the work of the IOA.
The History of IOA's Own Ombuds
Learn more about the IOA Ombuds on the IOA website.
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International Ombuds Association