Employers may subscribe to our External Ombudsman Scheme for the benefit of their employees.

One or more of the following may be referred to the External Ombudsman -

Ø       grievances as an informal alternative to the Grievance Procedure

Ø       a criminal offence at work has been, or is likely to be, committed

Ø       a miscarriage of justice at work has been or is likely to be, committed

Ø       there is a health & safety risk at work

Ø       someone at work has been bullied, discriminated against or harassed     

Our Neutrals are not employed by any participating companies. They do not take sides. They are advocates only for a fair process, but not on behalf of any individual.

Disclosures made to the External Ombudsman are protected, and no employee using this scheme may be dismissed or suffer any kind of detriment provided that they act sincerely and in good faith.

When an issue is referred to the External Ombudsman, our Neutrals will –

Ø       listen and try to understand

Ø       offer different perspectives

Ø       try to suggest non-confrontational methods to resolve the issues

Ø       where appropriate, help the employee to deal with the perceived source of the issue

Ø       where appropriate, will liaise with those involved

Ø       where appropriate, will investigate the issues

Ø       where appropriate, will informally meet with those concerned

Ø       where appropriate, will mediate the issues

Ø       where appropriate, will co-mediate the issues with HR

Ø       will provide statistical information to HR at stipulated periods to enable them to monitor the effectiveness of certain internal policies and procedures

Employee references to the External Ombudsman may be anonymous and confidential. However, our Neutrals are obliged to disclose matters where there may be imminent risk of serious harm to any person, where there has been, or is likely to be, a criminal offence, or in instances of discrimination and/or harassment.      

Access to the External Ombudsman is by means of –

Ø       a 24 hour helpline

Ø       our website

Ø       snail-mail

Ø       e-mail

Ø       fax

Please contact us to discuss how you and your employees may benefit from our External Ombudsman Scheme.