New Report Outlines Reforms for UN Ombuds Network

The United Nation's Joint Inspection Unit has published a system-wide review of Ombuds and mediation functions, finding measurable progress since 2015 but persistent gaps in independence, access, and resourcing. The report notes expanded mandates, increased professionalization, and the establishment of new Ombuds offices, as well as the coordinating role of the Network of United Nations System Ombudsman and Mediators. At the same time, many UN agency Ombuds still lack up-to-date terms of reference, consistent reporting to governing bodies, and sufficient staffing or regional presence. The review highlights concerns about structural independence (including the use of short-term contracts, limited staff involvement in hiring, and uneven authority over resources) and underscores the impact of these constraints on service quality and trust. 

National Capital Commission Announces New Ombuds Team

Brent Epperson, Julie Boncompain, and Heather McGhee Peggs, have been appointed the Ombuds for Commission de la capitale nationale, the Canadian Crown corporation that administers the federally properties in the National Capital Region. Their services will be provided under contract with their consulting company, JustEquitable Inc.

Meet the Ombuds for Virginia Health Sciences

For the past two years, Linda R. Archer has served as the GME Ombudsperson for the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (commonly known as Virginia Health Sciences). In this role, she provides Ombuds services to residents and fellows with training-related concerns. (For a few years starting in 2021, Diane Holland served as the quarter-time Ombuds for Eastern Virginia Medical School, which later merged into Virginial Health Sciences. She continues as Director Of Organizational Development, Training & Ombudsperson for Old Dominion.) 

ACVIM Creates Ombuds Program for Veterinary Residents

According to a new webpage, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (the international certifying organization for veterinary specialists), has created an Ombuds program to serve residents in training and post-residency candidates pursuing certification. A committee of Ombuds follows IOA standards and can assist with residents with concerns about a Residency Training Program or a the ACVIM Board-certification process. 

Ombuds at University of Twente Reports on 2024-25

Han Warmelink, the Ombuds Officer for Universiteit Twente in Enschede, Netherlands, reports that he assisted 44 staff members in 2024-25, compared to around 35 in the prior year. In addition, eight students found their way to his office. 

In his report, he also offers some insight on his work at UT and the status of Ombuds at other Dutch universities:

Job Posting: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The multilateral development bank based in Beijing has opened a search for a (Senior) Ombuds Services Officer. Louisa Tsang has held the position since November 2021. The position reports to the AIIB Ombudsperson, Philip Beauregard, and, in addition to providing Ombuds services, also manages the bank's Respectful Workplace Advisor program.

Job Re-Posting: University of Iowa

The public research university in Iowa City has again reopened its search for an Assistant Ombuds. (This is the third posting.) Qualifications for the position have not changed. The part-time position will serve faculty, staff and students, including all of UI Healthcare. The Assistant Ombuds will report to University Ombudsperson, Chanelle Reese, and join an office that includes Assistant Ombuds, Corey P. Pass, and Faculty Ombuds, Meenakshi Gigi Durham.

Call for Presenters: CIDR's 2026 Symposium at at Saint Paul University

The Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution at Saint Paul University in Ottawa seeks presenters for its annual symposium set for May 11-12, 2026. This year, the theme is, "Navigating Crises: The Evolving Role of ADR Practitioners and Ombuds in Turbulent Times." The keynote speaker will be Bernie Mayer. The hybrid virtual and in-person event will bring together students, practitioners, researchers, and faculty in conflict resolution.

European Investment Bank Names First Ombuds

Balint Balassa has been appointed the inaugural Ombuds for the European Investment Bank. Reporting directly to the President of the EIB, Balassa will provide confidential services to 5,000 staff members in the bank’s Luxembourg headquarters, local offices within the EU, and external offices around the world. He assumed the role on October 1, 2025.

Call for Session Proposals: ENOHE 2026 Conference

The European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education seeks presenters for its 21st annual conference to be hosted by AGH University of Krakow on June 10-12, 2026. The theme for the conference is, "New Developments in a Maturing Profession: Ombuds Skills and AI." Organizers have issued a call for papers and proposals.

Full details from ENOHE:

White Paper Urges Use of Gender-Neutral 'Ombuds'

A working paper from Dragana Ćorić at the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad (Pravni fakultet Univerziteta u Novom Sadu) in Serbia examines the relevance of naming for the Ombuds profession. Corcic argues that gender-sensitive terminology is a vital mechanism for achieving gender equality by reflecting and driving social change. She asserts that the move to from 'Ombudsman' to 'Ombuds' is a significant of this linguistic shift reflecting broader progress in human rights principles. Although the focus is on Classical Ombuds, Corci cites materials from IOA and the UC Berkely Ombuds Office, and articles by David Rasch and David Schwartz. 

Job Posting: Bridgewater State University

BSU, the largest of nine state universities in Massachusetts, is hiring its first permanent University Ombuds. The search will fill a role held on an initial and interim basis by Pam Russell since May 2024. The new Ombuds will report to the University’s president and practice to IOA standards, providing confidential, impartial, and informal services to faculty and staff.

Job Posting: Stony Brook University

Stony Brook's health science and medical campus is seeking its first dedicated Ombudsman. The new position will supplement the work of Donna Buehler, who has served as the inaugural University Ombuds since 2014. The full-time Ombuds will practice to IOA standards and provide services to all stakeholders of Stony Brook Medicine. 

Job Re-Posting: Houston Community College

The Texas community college system has reposted its opening for a part-time Ombuds. It appears that the new position will report to Michael Edwards, who restarted the HCC Ombuds Office in early 2025. The part-time position will serve all constituents across multiple campuses, including over 52,000 students. The search first opened in August and the application requirements have not changed. .

Guest Post: Reese Ramos on the Impact of AI

In this special post, Reese Ramos, the University Ombuds & Director at Virginia Tech, offers his perspective on the growing impact of AI on Ombuds work. I deeply appreciate and respect his insights on the Ombuds profession.

Here is his full essay: