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The Ombudsperson serves all OHRA staff in an independent, impartial, neutral and confidential manner.

Any issue in relation to your employment or staff relations can be addressed to the Ombudsperson.

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You can:

  • Discuss a problem in complete confidentiality;

  • Discover alternatives for resolving a problem and learn what resources exist, including mediation;

  • Increase your potential and confidence to deal with issues and concerns;

  • Receive assistance in conflict resolution.Contact:

 

Mr. Bill Toms

Ombudsperson

Orpe Human Rights Advocates
5457 Twin Knolls Rd,

Suite 300
Columbia, MD 21045

Telephone: +1 410-588-0818

Email: ombudsperson@orpe.org

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So, how can we help you? What is an Ombudsperson?

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The Ombudsperson (1) works with individuals and groups in an organization to explore and assist them in identifying options to help resolve conflicts, issues or concerns, and (2) brings sytemic issues to the attention of the organization for resolution.

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What is the role of the OHRA Ombudsperson?

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The Ombudsperson:

  • actively listens to your concerns and helps you find a course of action/solution to resolving your problem or conflict, or refers you to relevant OHRA bodies who can assist you;

  • provides informal assistance by employing Alternative Dispute Resolution tools;

  • advocates for procedural fairness and works to facilitate a solution acceptable to all parties;

  • does not advocate for any party within OHRA or for the organization, does not adjudicate, and does not make any decision for you that can lead to an outcome;

  • does not disclose information given to him/ her, nor your identity, without your explicit permission;

  • The Ombudsperson is here to help you help yourself, the entire process is driven by you. Together we can find the best outcomes to any issue!

Ombudsperson Principles

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The work of the OHRA Ombudsperson is governed by the following International Ombudsman Association code of ethics:

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Independence:

The Ombudsperson is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.

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Neutrality & Impartiality:

The Ombudsperson, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The Ombudsperson does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.

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Confidentiality:

The Ombudsperson holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

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Informality:

The Ombudsperson,
resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.

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Jurisdiction of the OHRA Ombudsperson

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The Ombudsperson has jurisdiction over complaints concerning:

  • Decisions, actions, omissions, or inactions by OHRA/management/ supervisors towards staff members;

  • Conflicts between all OHRA employees;

  • Issues arising from OHRA policies naming the Office of the Ombudsperson as a resource.

 

The Ombudsperson does not have jurisdiction over issues when the complaints:

  • Affect a person other than the complainant and the complainant is not sufficiently interested;

  • Are abusive or not made in good faith;  Are abandoned or withdrawn in writing by the complainant;

  • Do not require further assistance from the Ombudsperson;

  • Are reviewed in formal grievance processes.

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In Summary:

The Ombudsperson does not give legal advice, is not a substitute to formal justice channels, and does not conduct formal investigations.

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