The UC Berkeley Staff Ombuds Resource
Confidential, impartial, independent, and informal support for employees and leaders navigating workplace concerns and conflict. A trusted place to talk through challenges, explore options, and find constructive ways forward.
Meet Your Ombuds
Ralph Johnson
UC Berkeley Ombuds Team Member
Ralph is an experienced ombuds and trainer with extensive experience supporting employees and leaders in navigating workplace conflict, communication challenges, and organizational concerns.
View full profile →
Tera Bisbee
UC Berkeley Ombuds Team Member
Tera is an experienced ombuds, mediator, facilitator, and trainer who helps organizations and individuals address conflict, strengthen communication, and create healthier workplace environments.
View full profile →
Jen Sims
UC Berkeley Ombuds Team Member
Jen is an experienced ombuds and mediator with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations and individuals address conflict, improve collaboration, and navigate difficult workplace situations.
View full profile →How the Ombuds Resource Can Help
How We Can Help
- Listen and provide a confidential space to talk
- Help you clarify concerns and explore options
- Prepare for and navigate difficult conversations
- Identify helpful resources and next steps
- Surface patterns and concerns anonymously to leadership
What We Do Not Do
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make decisions or enforce outcomes
- Advocate for any one person or the university
- Replace Human Resources or legal processes
- Receive official notice for the university
- Keep records that identify you
Ways We Can Support You
In addition to one-on-one support, the ombuds offers a range of services to help individuals, teams, and the organization navigate conflict and work more effectively.
One-on-One Conversations
A confidential space to talk through concerns, clarify options, and prepare for next steps.
Facilitated Conversations
Support for constructive, forward-looking conversations between individuals.
Team and Group Support
Facilitation and support for teams working through challenges, communication issues, or conflict.
Workshops and Training
Practical sessions on communication, feedback, conflict management, and workplace skills.
Organizational Insight
Identifying patterns and trends to inform improvements in systems, practices, and workplace culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
View more questions
More Questions
What is the ombuds resource?
The ombuds is an independent, informal resource for discussing workplace concerns, exploring options, and navigating difficult situations in a confidential setting.
Are there limits to confidentiality?
Confidentiality is maintained except in rare situations involving imminent risk of serious harm or where required by law.
Do I need to prepare before reaching out?
No preparation is required. You can come as you are and talk through your situation.
Still have a question? Contact the ombuds team.
What Makes An Ombuds Different
The ombuds operates according to four core principles that help create a safe, fair, and trusted experience.
Confidential
The ombuds will not share what you discuss, or even that you met, without your permission, except in rare situations involving imminent risk of serious harm.
Impartial
The ombuds does not take sides for any staff member or the university.
Informal
The ombuds is an off-the-record resource and does not participate in formal processes.
Independent
The ombuds operates outside management structures and is not part of formal reporting channels.
What People Are Saying
Feedback from individuals who have worked with an ombuds.
“The most valuable part of working with an ombuds was that I gained the confidence to address my situation. I felt validated about my experience and I feel more hopeful about my circumstances. While the situation may not resolve immediately, I have the tools to advocate for myself moving forward."
“I don't have enough words for how helpful that hour was. I feel super equipped to move forward with the conversation I need to have.”
“"[The ombuds] is wonderful and I'm so grateful that she responded and set up an appointment quickly and then was just so helpful on the calls. She is sober-minded, caring, and helpful; there's not much else one can ask for."
Contact an Ombuds Team Member
Submit a confidential request to connect with an ombuds. A member of the ombuds team will respond within one business day.
Your submission is confidential.
The ombuds resource operates under a charter approved by the Chancellor and follows the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. View the charter →