Quantcast

Ombuds program

What is the ombuds program?

The Ombuds Program is intended to provide an informal and/or neutral means for resolving concerns or discussing issues. Such concerns may be about conditions of employment including matters related to pay, parking, benefits, leave balances, processes for career movement within the university and more. The program will allow employees, supervisors and managers the opportunity and environment to deal with work related issues at the lowest and least adversarial level. It will provide an alternative to "choosing sides" or having to formalize one's concerns.

The Ombuds Program will try to help employees select action or resolution. When appropriate, the ombuds representative will serve as an intermediary or may suggest other possible resources; however, the parties to the dispute will decide upon their preferred course of action. In short, the program's principal goal is to achieve a neutral environment where mutual agreement and compromise can take place. The Ombuds Program is not an advocate for management or employees.

Will contacting the Ombuds Program jeopardize my using other avenues of appeal or resolution?

No. The Ombuds Program is not intended to replace any UC Davis Health System programs designed for resolving employee concerns. This program is an optional alternative to other more formal measures. It is not a specific process in itself but simply an attempt to create a neutral environment where concerns can be resolved through mutual agreement. If, after first talking with the ombuds representative or at any point thereafter, you would like to move to other means of resolution, you may do so within the established time lines of the particular process.

What will happen after I contact the Ombuds Program?

The outcome will be determined solely by you and the agreements you reach with the ombuds representative. Specifically, if after talking, everyone agrees that no action should be taken, then that is what will happen. If a specific plan is developed, the ombuds representative will help you carry out the process.

The Ombuds Program has no official authority to mandate change but simply attempts to facilitate resolution.

Will my discussion with the ombuds representative remain confidential?

Yes, however, if you need to discuss topics where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, you will be informed and allowed to decide how you would like to proceed. The information you disclose in your meetings will be treated with respect and used only as you and the representative agree.