ACUS Finalizes Recommendation on Use of Ombuds in Federal Agencies

At its 66th Plenary Session on December 13-14, the Administrative Conference of the U.S. adopted a recommendation on "The Use of Ombuds in Federal Agencies."  The recommendation culminates a year-long research project that examined procedures and practices related to the use of Ombuds with input from key stakeholders , including quantitative and qualitative surveys, interviews, case studies and profiles.  

ACUS found ample evidence of benefits to agencies and the public...

Accordingly, the Conference continues to urge Congress and the President to create, fund, and otherwise support ombuds offices across the government consistent with the recommendation articulated below. Further, the Conference urges those agencies that already have ombuds, and those that are contemplating creating ombuds offices, to align their office standards and practices with those included in this recommendation. In general, the Conference recommends these practices to the extent applicable in particular situations, regardless of whether an ombuds office or program is created by Congress or by an agency. 

The full report is available online. (ACUS News; ACUS Ombuds Recommendation.)

Related posts: Administrative Conference of the U.S. Issues RFP for Federal Ombuds Study; Federal Ombuds 2015 Conference Agenda Announced; Year-Long Study of U.S. Federal Ombuds Launches; Administrative Conference of the United States Publishes First Draft of Federal Ombuds Study; Administrative Conference of the U.S. Seeks Comments on Federal Ombuds Study.