HomeSituationsWorkplaceA concern nobody raises
TN/SIT/09
Edition 2027 · effective 1 January 2027
Workplace · A concern nobody raises
People see something wrong, but do not trust the channels to say so.
An independent Ombuds channel lets people raise concerns safely and informally, gives them options, and tells leadership about patterns early. Where there is immediate risk or a legal duty to investigate, formal routes still apply.
§ 01What it looks like
Recognise it early. The earliest moment is the cheapest.
What you notice first
Small, and easy to explain away.
- Rumours instead of reports
- Exit interviews reveal what nobody said
- Hotlines are unused
- Concerns reach the press before leadership
What waiting can cost
Usually more than the original issue.
- People’s safety and dignity
- Legal and regulatory exposure
- Trust in leadership
§ 02The Neutral route
Usually: Ombuds.
An Ombuds is independent, confidential and informal, and so it is often used when formal channels are not.
Ombuds
The person decides what to do. The Ombuds helps them see the options.
Also used · AdvisoryNeutral Evaluation
You decide. The evaluator advises.
§ 03The steps
What a good process looks like.
- Map your current speak-up routes and their useBefore anything else01
- Define an Ombuds charter: independence, confidentiality, informalityThe moment independence enters02
- Appoint an independent OmbudsWhere the work is done03
- Publish anonymised themes yearlySo it holds04
§ 04Prepare and avoid
What to bring. What to leave out.
(Bring)
01
Existing policies and channels
02
Data on reports and outcomes
03
Board sponsor
04
Legal duties in your jurisdiction
(Avoid)
✕
Making the Ombuds an investigator
✕
Reporting lines into the people being reported on
§ 05Your version
Every situation is different. Describe yours.
§ 06Related