Ombuds Service Provider Directory (OSPD)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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What is the Ombuds Service Provider Directory (OSPD)?
What types of services will be listed in the OSPD?
What are the criteria for being included in the OSPD?
Who decides whether an applicant should be listed in the OSPD?
How can I get in touch with a service provider?
Will the IOA help me if I have a problem or conflict with a service provider?
For potential applicants
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How do I apply to be listed in the OSPD?
What does it cost to be listed in the OSPD?
What is the process for reviewing and posting listings?
1. What is the Ombuds Service Provider Directory (OSPD)?
The Ombuds Service Provider Directory (OSPD) is a list of contract services available to organizational
ombudsmen and institutions in any sector (e.g. academic, government, non-profit, non-governmental)
to help them establish or enhance an ombudsman program. The purpose of the Directory is to:
- Provide a listing of services available to ombudsmen to help ensure their programs are applying
best practices and operating consistently to standards of practice and code of ethics.
- Assist International Ombudsman Association (IOA) members bring their services to a wider
audience.
- Connect those seeking to locate knowledgeable and skilled ombudsman consulting services in a
transparent and systematic way.
- Increase IOA membership and participation in IOA trainings and annual conferences.
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2. What types of services will be listed in the OSPD?
The services can include, but are not limited to:
- Helping with the hiring of an ombudsman
- Building ombuds office awareness/communication strategies
- Establishing an ombuds office case management system
- Developing presentations for ombudsmen
- Evaluating ombudsman programs
- Providing legal services
- Consulting on difficult cases
- Writing annual reports
- Working directly with visitors and being the contract ombudsman
- Offering products and training not offered by IOA
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3. What are the criteria for being included in the OSPD?
All applicants must:
- Provide and list services that will support ombudsmen and their respective organizations in adhering
to the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
- Ensure that training services provided are not in competition with IOA offerings
- Have at least one year of IOA membership (Full, Associate or Affiliate – for more information on
membership, please click here.)
- Have at least two years’ experience with each service offered
Please note: Applicants must provide true and accurate information. If the service provider does not,
IOA has the right to deny, suspend or terminate the provider’s services from the Directory.
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4. Who decides whether an applicant should be listed in the OSPD?
The OSPD’s Steering Committee will make determinations regarding the inclusion of service provider
profiles in the OSPD. The Steering Committee is comprised of five IOA members, including at least one
service provider. The Steering Committee members are volunteers; vacancies will be filled by the
Steering Committee.
Any member of the Committee who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or
appearance of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Committee, of such nature that it prevents
or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, will make that conflict
or potential conflict known to the Committee. The Committee will discuss the matter and whether the
member should excuse him/herself from discussing and voting on said item.
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5. How can I get in touch with a service provider?
Those who might be interested in working with a service provider should contact them directly. The IOA
does not play a role in connecting vendors and potential clients, nor does the IOA provide any
references, recommendations or other information for or about any of the service providers listed in the
directory.
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6. Will the IOA help me if I have a problem or conflict with a service provider?
No. The IOA does not endorse nor claim knowledge of any specific vendor or services provided as a part
of the Directory. Any services secured through this Directory are the sole responsibility of the purchaser
of those services and the vendor. The Association offers no remedy for dissatisfaction or complaints of
services rendered.
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For potential applicants
7. How do I apply to be listed in the OSPD?
You can find the application and information on the application process HERE. If you have any questions,
please contact the OSPD steering committee at [email protected].
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8. What does it cost to be listed in the OSPD?
The cost is $50USD for the initial listing and $25USD for annual renewals. There is no cost for minor
changes to listings, such as a new phone number or address. Changes should be requested by emailing
the OSPD steering committee at [email protected].
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9. What is the process for reviewing and posting listings?
In most cases, the timeline from application to posting (if the listing is approved) will be four weeks or
less. After the applicant completes an application (online or via fax, email or mail), the OSPD
Membership Coordinator will review the application, contact the applicant to confirm him/her that the
application has been received and, if necessary, ask questions to clarify any information provided on the
application. The Membership Coordinator will then forward the application to the OSPD Steering
Committee. The Steering Committee will review the application. If accepted, the Membership
Coordinator will contact the applicant (via email or phone) and inform them of the outcome. The listing
fee will be processed and the profile will be posted on the OSPD webpage
(www.ombudsassociation.org/OSPD). If the application is not accepted, the Membership Coordinator
will provide an explanation of how that determination was made and whether there are any changes
that could help the applicant in a subsequent bid for inclusion in the Directory.
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