The Pan American Health Organization
Promoting Health in the Americas

 Safe Hospitals
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Role of the Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson is an independent, impartial official with the authority and responsibility receivng, investigating, and informally address complaints by PAHO staff and to making recommendations when appropriate.   In PAHO, the role of the Ombudsperson is to assist staff members and the Organization with problems and grievances relating to conditions of employment, working conditions, and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Early intervention by the Ombudsperson in staff problems will serve to improve the overall working environment in the Organization, encourage optimal personnel management, and promote greater organizational and operational efficiency.

Access to the Ombudsperson

Any individual who works for PAHO at a PAHO workplace, regardless of the type or duration of appointment, is entitled to request the assistance of the Ombudsperson at any time, and is not required to have pursued other avenues for resolution of their problems before bringing a matter to the attention of the Ombudsperson.