OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSPERSON REFERRAL

Background

The British Columbia government has established the Office of the Ombudsperson.

District and school-based administrators will endeavour to assist the provincial Ombudsperson in resolving any query made regarding an action or decision made by the District or an employee of the District.

Procedures

1. According to the guidelines and practices of the Office of the Ombudsperson, notification of a complaint to the Ombudsperson will either be made directly to the school involved or to the District Office, depending on the circumstances of each complaint.
2. Ombudsperson inquiries to a school will be received by the Principal. The Principal will notify the Superintendent immediately of the inquiry. The Principal will provide the Superintendent with copies of all correspondence to or from the Ombudsperson.
3. Inquiries from the Office of the Ombudsperson to the District Office will be directed to the Superintendent who will refer the inquiry as required.
4. When appropriate, the Ombudsperson’s inquiry will be discussed with the staff involved.
5. Details of concluded investigation(s) shall be kept on file at the school and copies of final results supplied to the Superintendent’s office.
6. The Superintendent will summarize the types of school and District complaints registered in order to update the Board on an annual basis.