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- Title
Can We Talk? Confidentiality and the Ombudsman as an Individual.
- Authors
SEN, INDUMATI
- Abstract
Rather than introducing an exception to confidentiality, this piece reaffirms the critical and central role confidentiality plays, while recognizing that ombudsman practitioners too have important interests as individuals and as a part of collectives, with various attachments to identity and real world obligations. At times, the breadth of confidentiality under the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics may prevent practitioners from voicing concerns and raising issues that emerge from confidential settings but that impact them directly. As a profession that advocates for fairness and equity, we should be able to discuss, understand and provide guidance on whether and how practitioners may adequately address their concerns in a fair and equitable manner, while also protecting confidentiality of the underlying communications. Informal dispute resolution mechanisms, such as external ombudsman and mediation, should be further explored as viable avenues for creating a safe space where ombudsmen may raise issues (or defend their interests) while still guarding confidential communications. Gaining clarity on options and process for the ombudsman can serve to strengthen the independence and impartiality of the ombudsman's role, as well as satisfy an existing gap between the profession and practitioner.
- Subjects
CONFIDENTIAL communications; OMBUDSPERSONS; PROFESSIONAL ethics; CODES of ethics; DISPUTE resolution; CONFIDENTIALITY in mediation; ATTORNEY &; client; PROFESSIONAL standards
- Publication
Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, 2011, Vol 4, Issue 2, p29
- ISSN
2153-2362
- Publication type
Article