Ombuds carry many tools in their toolbox, including the option to “facilitate discussions” between visitors.

Facilitated discussions have been described as “informal mediations,” in which an ombuds invites two or more visitors to voluntarily participate in an informal and impartial process designed to build understanding through assisted dialogue.

Many ombuds who facilitate discussions have had to grapple with the following questions: How to navigate confidentiality concerns when setting up a session? How to raise awareness about the availability of these services? Does my organization, especially HR and Legal, have concerns about the availability of these services? What types of communication will the ombuds provide to visitors in advance of a facilitated discussion, including how to prepare, what to expect during the session, and what happens afterwards? Chuck Doran, organizational ombuds with MWI since 1995 and mediator (since 1992), will facilitate the sessions.