Staff Ombuds
The Staff Ombuds is a private, impartial, informal, and independent resource that provides informal conflict resolution and problem-solving services to University of Florida staff. The Office of the Staff Ombuds does not provide legal advice, nor does it take the place of any formal process that would normally be available to staff members of the University community. Visiting the Office of the Staff Ombuds is voluntary and allows staff members to discuss and work through issues related to their employment in an informal and private setting prior to taking any formal action.
What can the Staff Ombuds do for you? The Staff Ombuds is available to:
- Listen to your concerns
- Offer an impartial perspective that can help you better understand and clarify your work-related situation
- Provide an assessment of your situation and clarify options that are available to you
- Answer questions concerning appropriate channels and make referrals to individuals who can address your concerns
- Help identify communication and problem-solving strategies to help you resolve your concerns informally and manage conflict more effectively
- Recommend changes to university policy, rules, or procedures that are outdated, unclear, or ineffective
What does the Staff Ombuds not do?
- Offer legal advice
- Tell someone what to do
- Participate in any formal investigation
- Accept formal complaints or serve as an office of notice
- Replace the University’s grievance process
- Act on behalf of the staff member
Information received by the Office of the Ombuds will not be shared with anyone else unless required to do so by law or in the case of imminent threat to oneself or others.