Enclosure (9) to COMDINST 1750.4D
BEST PRACTICES FOR UNIT OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
These are best practices for a quality unit Ombudsman Program.
1. Widely publicize the ombudsman's duties within the command.
2. Officially introduce the ombudsman at an "All Hands" or family meeting.
3. Present the appointment letter at a group function.
4. Introduce the ombudsman to arriving members by a letter in their Welcome Aboard packets
and make him or her an integral part of the sponsor program.
5. Provide office space if available for communicating with members. Advertise the location and
hours in the Plan of the Day or pass the information at muster.
6. Set a designated time, monthly when possible, for the ombudsman to meet with the
commanding officer, officer-in-charge, executive officer, or executive petty officer to discuss
routine matters.
7. Appoint the ombudsman to command advisory boards such as Patient Advisory; Morale
Committee; Partners in Education (PIE); or others as appropriate.
8. Introduce the ombudsman to Coast Guard and community officials who provide family
support services.
9. If appropriate invite the ombudsman to participate in unit training to better understand
policies.
10. Recognize service through appropriate awards system and other forms of recognition, e.g.,
write a Letter of Appreciation, nominate the ombudsman for a national volunteer award, or give
a Certificate of Performance or other Public Service award. Observe Coast Guard Ombudsman
Appreciation Day on the last Friday of March by specially acknowledging the value the
Ombudsman has contributed to supporting the mission by assisting the families. Do not use
appropriated funds to buy gifts as a token of appreciation.
11. Contact the Ombudsman Coordinator at the servicing ISC/HSC for guidance and assistance.
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