Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office Does:

• Listen and discuss workplace questions, concerns and complaints
• Offer a SAFE place to discuss your concerns
• Open channels of workplace communication
• Informally investigate complaints
• Help evaluate various options to address workplace concerns
• Answer questions concerning appropriate channels
• Explain MCW policies and procedures
• Facilitate communication between people
• Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
• Advise individuals about formal and administrative options
• Make appropriate referrals when informal options don't work
• Discuss patterns and trends of concern with MCW leadership
• Provide feedback regarding MCW policies

The Ombuds Office Does Not:

• Participate in formal grievance processes
• Conduct formal investigations
• Make administrative decisions for MCW administrators
• Determine "guilt" or "innocence"
• Assign sanctions to individuals
• Serve as witness in any administrative or legal proceedings, except in rare instances when compelled to do so
• Receive official "notice" for MCW about issues
• Maintain records that identify visitors to the office