What Happens to Confidentiality if the Visitor Refuses to Report Unacceptable Behavior?
Name
Rowe_JN_2011_Visitor-Refuses-to-Report.pdf
Description
Article
Size
205.76 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
e459b3b73a4a20966ffbf1ae9523d327
Author(s)
Rowe, Mary
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Journal of the International Ombudsman Association
Citation
Mary Rowe, “What Happens to Confidentiality if the Visitor Refuses to Report Unacceptable Behavior?,” Journal of the International Ombudsman Association Vol. 4, No. 2 (Fall 2011): 40-43.
Abstract
This article examines a common question frequently posed to organizational ombuds about what they would do if a visitor refuses to report or otherwise act responsibly about a situation that might present a risk of serious harm. It briefly reviews the Code of Ethics on confidentiality, and the concepts of “imminent risk” and serious harm. The article affirms the importance of seeking advice if there is time, without mentioning identities of those involved if that is possible, but
being prepared to breach confidentiality if necessary to prevent serious harm. It discusses some options for getting information where it needs to go, on a timely basis, without the ombuds practitioner having to breach confidentiality, and points out that such options usually exist.
Subjects
zero barrier office, confidentiality, organizational ombudsman, zero tolerance, whistleblowing, Ombudsman Code of Ethics
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