T2 Ombuds Program Mission
The mission of the T2 Ombuds Program is to enhance the relationship of the Laboratory and its Technology Transfer customers by providing a confidential and impartial alternative for assistance with informal complaint resolution, problem solving, and communication. The Ombudsman supports the Laboratory's Guiding Principles and is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees and customers.
What Does Ombudsman Mean?
The word ombudsman comes from Scandinavia where the concept of appointing a neutral person to address citizen complaints about the government was developed almost 200 years ago. Since the 1970s, the role has evolved to include workplace ombudsmen (and women) who assist employees.
What is a T2 Ombudsman?
The T2 Ombudsman is a neutral person who can assist in resolving concerns related to any activities managed by the Technology Transfer Office in an informal, confidential, and impartial manner. For those who are not certain about where to go for help at the Laboratory, the Ombuds Program is the first choice for assistance or for information about other resources.
Who May Use T2 Ombuds Program Services?
The T2 Ombuds Program is available to anyone in the Laboratory workforce, including managers and special program participants, such as the T2 customers. The T2 Ombuds Program also assists Laboratory organizations in addressing specific issues and conflicts and in developing strategies for more effective communication, collaboration, and teaming with outside entities.
What the T2 Ombuds does not do?
The Laboratory has established official reporting contacts for certain concerns such as the Diversity and Compliance Group in the case of sexual harassment and the Internal Audit Office in the case of fraud, waste, and abuse of government resources. If an individual wishes the Laboratory to be officially on notice about a concern involving one of these kinds of issues, it is important that the individual advise his or her manager and/or the person or office that is officially designated to respond to the concern. The T2 Ombudsman is available to discuss concerns about reporting, to explore options, and to explain Laboratory policies and procedures. Please note, however, that the T2 Ombuds Program is not the official point of contact for reporting concerns of this nature. If the individual chooses not to report the matter to the official contact, he or she cannot later claim that the communication with the T2 Ombuds Program staff served as official notice to the Laboratory. This is because communications with the T2 Ombuds Program staff are strictly confidential, and except as required by law or as noted above, the Ombudsman will not release information to anyone.
- Contact:
- Ray Grosshans, (208) 526-8389, Send E-mail