A mediator who helps people resolve disputes with institutions like governments, schools and universities, hospitals, news organizations, and corporations is known as an ombudsman, or simply “ombud.”
An ombudsman, sometimes known as a “ombud,” is a third person who serves as a mediator in disputes between people and institutions like corporations, news outlets, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Regulatory Industry Authority (FINRA) also have ombudsmen who assist consumers in financial matters.
Learn more about the duties of ombudsmen, their processes, and how they stack up against other officials.
Ombudsman Definition and Examples
An ombudsman serves as a neutral party to settle disputes between individuals and other institutions. The organization that the person files the complaint against frequently hires or appoints them, although the ombudsman’s job is not to represent the organization’s interests.
They are distinctive in that they can preserve secrecy while assisting people or groups with their worries. They are also customer-focused. Generally speaking, ombudsman services are free.
- Obudsperson, ombudsperson, and similar terms
The Office of the Ombudsman of the SEC, the Office of the Ombudsman of the CFPB, and the Office of the Ombudsman of FINRA are a few instances of ombuds.
For instance, a CFPB ombudsman will look into and assist in resolving consumer complaints to the CFPB. The services of the ombudsman are free.
Note
The word “ombudsman,” which meaning “representative,” comes from the Swedish language.
The Process of an Ombudsman
An ombudsman’s job is to mediate disputes, frequently informally. They can argue for fairness for all parties involved because they are a neutral party who does not take sides. A mediator, an attorney, or a human resources representative are not ombudsmen. While some ombuds have the power to look into complaints, others only serve as informal counselors.
Finding the ombudsman for the company that a person has a complaint about can be the first step. Not all businesses have an ombudsman. They are more prevalent in organizations run by the government, such as the CFPB at the federal level and the Tennessee Commission on Youth and Children at the state level.
Note People should get in touch with the ombudsman if they need confidentiality, believe they can’t resolve a problem with the organization directly, or if they’re not sure how to handle their matter.
Ombuds can assist people in a variety of ways, and the services they provide can differ depending on the business or organization. A sample of the services provided by the FINRA Ombud are listed below:
- Pay attention to issues and grievances
- Discuss options for addressing difficulties with individuals.
- Clarify the organization’s decisions, policies, and procedures
- Open channels of contact and provide information
- Offer management an alternative means of communication.
- Examine procedures and policies to ensure they are operating as intended.
- Direct you to useful sources
taking unbiased action to address issues that lack established channels for resolution - Determine and address the underlying problems that caused your complaint.
The CFPB’s ombudsman is a fantastic example of how an ombudsman operates. To address disputes with the CFPB, consumers can get in touch with the office. The CFPB Ombud has access to CFPB officials and is familiar with the bureau’s laws, rules, and procedures. When you submit a problem you’re having, the ombudsman can engage in conversation with you, assist you in developing solutions, analyze your circumstance and provide you with advice for how to handle it.
The ombudsman for the SEC performs similar duties. The office assists small-scale investors in resolving disputes with the SEC. The ombudsman person you deal with will hear about your problem, explain SEC policies and procedures, and suggest both SEC- and externally-available remedies.
Different Ombuds
Ancient Ombudsmen
Traditional ombuds handle grievances or concerns regarding public policy. They might be appointed or elected, and they often have the authority to look into complaints and offer suggestions for improvement.
Defender ombudsmen
Both the public and private sectors employ advocate ombuds. They will evaluate claims objectively, but they also have the authority to speak up for you. Advocate ombudsmen are frequently seen in long-term care facilities.
Hybrid mediators
Public or private entities frequently have hybrid ombuds. They often settle disputes informally, although they may also have the authority to look into complaints and publish specialized reports.
Executive mediators
Public and private sectors both employ executive ombuds. They receive individual complaints against organizations. They may engage with officials to strengthen the flaws in the processes, procedures, and programs you’ve highlighted, or they may seek to hold the organization accountable for the problems you raise.
Congressional Ombudsmen
The purpose of legislative ombuds, who are employed by the legislative branch of the government, is to hold organizations accountable to the general public. They look into complaints against government policies and practices made by either citizens or employees of the government.
Media advocates
Transparency is encouraged by media ombuds within a news media organization. They will look at complaints that people have regarding news reporting and offer suggestions to allay worries.
Ombudsman and human resources specialist
The position of an organizational ombudsman can resemble a human resources specialist’s. However, there are also significant variations, most notably in terms of impartiality and confidentiality.
| Ombudsman | Human Resource Professional |
| Neutral and impartial party | Not completely neutral as they are part of the management structure |
| Confidential | Cannot extend complete confidentiality |
| Informal | Formal |
| Does not advocate for the individual, groups, or the business | Must directly represent and protect the interests of the organization |
| Advocate for fairness and equity | Must directly represent and protect the interests of the organization |
| Identify options for resolution | Identify options for resolution |
| Can suggest modifications to policy | Can make or modify policy |
| Organizational ombudsmen do not conduct formal investigations, though other types of ombudsmen may. | May conduct formal investigations |
Main Points
You can get assistance from an ombudsman in resolving disputes with a business or governmental body.
Ombudsmen are impartial, unbiased, and take no sides.
If you are unable to work out a solution with the business directly or would like to remain anonymous, contact an ombudsman.
Ombudsmen are employed by several significant federal agencies that deal with consumers, including the SEC, CFPB, and FINRA.
It costs nothing to consult with an ombudsman.
