Opportunities and projects for international integrity organisations
The New Zealand Ombudsman is able to provide a range of support to international Ombudsmen and integrity organisations
Online training and resources
The Ombudsman delivers training to support and upskill Ombudsmen and their staff. Current courses include:
- Investigation skills
- Coaching for senior investigators and leaders
We are rolling this training out to offices in the region in order of priority. Let us know if you would like to access the training when it becomes available.
In-person training
The Ombudsman may be able to deliver in person training on areas of expertise to staff at your office. In the past we have delivered training on investigation practices and on the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). We may also deliver in-person regional training workshops.
Investigation practice and documentation support
The Ombudsman may be able to provide investigation support and mentoring. We may also be able to provide support to update investigation documentation, such investigation manuals, guides, and training plans.
Corporate policies, procedures, and practices support
The Ombudsman may be able to provide support in relation to corporate policies, procedures, plans, manuals and guidelines (including human resources).
Mentoring
If you or your staff need one-on-one mentoring or support in a particular area, we may be able to connect you with an experienced staff member at our office. We have previously mentored staff in other offices with annual report writing, investigation practice, and corporate/human resource practice.
Webinars
The Ombudsman delivers webinars on different topics to APOR and IOI members. So far, webinar topics have included the UN Resolution on the Role of the Ombudsman, data, OPCAT, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Disability Convention). If you wish to present at a webinar or have any ideas for future regional or international webinars, let us know.
Guidance and reports
The Ombudsman regularly publishes guides, case notes and reports on their website (eg, good decision making and effective complaint handling).
- Guidance and resources for international Ombudsmen integrity institutions
- All resources and publications
Supporting regional and international networks
The Chief Ombudsman is the Second Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and is a Regional Director of the Australasia & Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR). There are many opportunities for Ombudsmen in these networks to build international networks, share expertise and experiences with other Ombudsmen, and to support the development of international best practice. If your office wants to know more, or be more involved in these networks and share your expertise, we can support you to do so.
Community outreach network
The Pacific Community Outreach Network brings together outreach and communications staff in the region to discuss outreach activities and new approaches to outreach. If you are a communications or engagement staff member who is interested in joining the network, please get in contact.
Staff secondments to New Zealand Office of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman supports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) Pacific programme run in collaboration with Skills International. We are happy to talk through alternative placement options should you have an interested staff member that does not fit the STTS programme criteria.
Hosting delegations
The Ombudsman can meet with visiting delegations to discuss matters of mutual interest related to the Ombudsman’s work.
Other requests
If your office has any requests for support let us know. The Ombudsman facilitates ongoing requests to host international delegations and Ombudsman staff who seek to learn about the work of the New Zealand Ombudsman.