Since its establishment in 2012, the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombuds) at DOE continues to provide confidential, independent, informal and neutral support to DOE federal employees facing workplace challenges. Establishing an Organizational Ombudsman is considered a best practice across federal agencies because an Organizational Ombuds can provide employees with expert support when navigating workplace conflicts and issues, including those of a complex or high-profile nature. Additionally, Organizational Ombudsman can help leadership identify and address issues that impact the broader organization.
The Ombuds provides support to individuals, groups, leaders/management teams, and the Department and help to:
- Provide a confidential space to talk about an issue or concern
- Explore options to help resolve conflicts
- Bring systemic concerns to the attention of the organization for resolution
Please note: The Ombuds’ role is to assist employees who work for the DOE with workplace concerns.
Contact Us
Contact the Office of the Ombudsman
U.S. Department of Energy
The Office of the Ombudsman
1000 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20585
Phone: 202-586-0500
Areas of Focus
When to Contact Us
We can help you address any workplace challenge at any level:
- Strained work relationships
- Challenging team dynamics
- Sensitive or high-risk issues
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Confusion about policy/process
- Lack of communication or collaboration
Why Use an Ombuds?
- Feel respected and heard by a neutral third party
- Get perspective from an independent and neutral resource
- Gain clarity and confidence choosing a path forward
- Receive expert support implementing collaborative solutions
How We Work With You
- Confidential: Communications are protected unless required by law
- Independent: Not affiliated with any other DOE office or function; reports directly to the Secretary’s Office
- Neutral: Unbiased third-party; respects all perspectives
- Informal: Flexible, off-the-record approach to identifying solutions; not an investigative or oversight function
What Ombuds Won’t Do
- Work with individuals outside of the DOE work environment
- Take sides in a dispute or advocate for an individual/group
- Conduct investigations
- Engage in any formal process
- Testify or produce documents in legal proceedings
- Receive notice of claims on behalf of DOE
In addition, contacting the Ombuds office does not impact established time frames of formal processes.