The Ombudsman’s Office Code of Ethics

Confidentiality

The NIH Office of the Ombudsman works in confidence to resolve problems at the lowest level.


We share information only in a manner consistent with the permission you have given. Thus, we do not share information, or take any action, unless you give us permission to do so.

This includes not revealing:


  • The identity of individuals who come to our office
  • The identity of contacts made by the ombudsman in resolving an issue
  • Specific details and circumstances of matters handled
  • Any materials related to specific cases

We will preserve confidentiality except for threats of imminent harm.


Normally, we make handwritten notes during conversations and meetings to help us remember what was said. These notes are for our use only. These notes, and any other material that may be given to us in the course of working with you, are shredded when the case is closed. We keep no formal records of individual cases, nor are we holders or enforcers of any agreements that may result from our work.

Our office periodically produces a report on the number and types of cases that come to our office. This report is available to the entire NIH community. We gather information regarding broad categories of disputes, and the information is reported in aggregate form, looking at statistical trends. No information is ever produced regarding individual cases or visitors to our office. To see an example of how we report statistical trends, please visit http://www.un.org/en/ombudsman/pdfs/recentcasestatistics.pdfExternal Link Disclaimer



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