Ombuds: ŏm'bŭdz' noun
A neutral, confidential office where trained professionals create a safe space for a fair resolution of issues and concerns.

What We Do
The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource for:

• expressing workplace concerns or questions
• improving work relationships
• having questions answered
• getting a neutral perspective on your concerns
• discussing concerns about incivility, harassment, discrimination, authorship
• finding guidance and helpful suggestions
• gaining help in achieving win-win solutions
• increasing collaboration within work groups
• facilitation or mediation of team concerns

Make an Appointment

Call: 713-792-4896 / toll-free 866-610-7841
E-mail: ombuds@mdanderson.org

What to Expect

When you visit us, we will discuss:

• the issue in a confidential setting
• applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations and other resources
• goals and alternatives
• a strategy plan for dealing with the issue
• referrals to other offices or institutional services
• the possibility of informal mediation or coaching

Learn More About Us

• Annual Report Summary (pdf)
• Office Brochure (pdf)
• What Ombuds Office Staff Will & Will Not Do

Confidentiality
The Ombuds Office is made available to all employees with the express understanding that it provides them with a confidential, neutral and alternate channel of communication. Because communications with the Ombuds Office are considered confidential and privileged, it is inappropriate for employees at any level of M. D. Anderson to call an ombuds as a witness in formal or administrative proceedings to reveal confidential communications. Employees who use the office will be considered to have agreed to abide by these features of the office.

Learn more about our Standards of Practice.