IOA Core Courses

About the Courses

An IOA Core Course addresses fundamental knowledge and practices for ombuds. Core Courses form the basis of a curriculum for organizational ombuds. Ombuds at any experience level are invited to take this course, though it is generally taken by ombuds with less than three years of full-time practice. Additionally, we recommend the participants first take the IOA Foundations of the Organizational Ombuds Course or a similar entry-level course.

Upcoming Courses:

View the IOA Calendar

Course Development: Share your knowledge and expertise!

Presenter talking to group of participants

IOA’s Professional Development Committee (PDC) initiated a new sustainable process for the development of Core Course offerings that are essential to new and experienced organizational ombuds.

A Core Course addresses fundamental knowledge and practice for organizational ombuds that utilize the set of knowledge domains (KDs) necessary to organizational ombudsmen. KDs were derived from previous Job Analyses initiated by the IOA Board of Directors and the CO-OP® Certification Board. KDs currently constitute the basis for the CO-OP® assessment. IOA members who have content expertise are invited to develop these new replicable Core Courses.

The intent of the Core Course development process is three-fold:  

  1. To develop a set of Core Course curricula that can be offered repeatedly and utilize a variety of trainers
  2. To provide a consistent and inclusive process for all Core Course development
  3. To provide a stipend for Core Course designers.

Core Courses are designed to be taught by a variety of instructors, for an average class size of 30 participants, and will be offered on an annual basis.

Core Course topics have been selected to address the fundamental knowledge needed for ombuds practice. We encourage full-time practicing ombuds with less than three years of experience to participate in this course, though this course can be taken by ombuds looking to get a refresh on the fundamentals.

Core Courses Topics Include: 

  • Effective Communication
  • Measuring Effectiveness and Value
  • Addressing Issues
  • Psychological, Sociological, and Systemic Theories
  • Cultural Understandings, Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Conflict Management
  • Outreach and Education
  • Policies, Procedures, and Organizational Culture
  • Mediation Theory and Skills for Ombuds

Become an Instructor or Help Set Up a Course

The Professional Development Committee (PDC) is tasked with identifying qualified instructors and presenters who are willing to share skills and knowledge with ombuds from around the world. The PDC is excited to present its new Instructor Interest Form, which allows IOA members to apply to become an instructor or presenter for many of IOA's training opportunities. 

Learn More & Apply