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The Conference Ombuds: An Independent and Confidential Resource for Participants of the Partners in the Outdoors Conference

Independent. Impartial. Informal. Confidential.

The term “ombuds” (pronounced “ahm–buhds”) comes from a Swedish term meaning “a person who has an ear to the people.”

The Conference Ombuds is an impartial, independent, off-the-record resource who is available on-site to hear concerns confidentially. The ombuds can assist with identifying options and resources to address conflicts or issues such as harassment, microaggressions, discrimination, or any violation of Colorado Parks and Wildlife Conference Values and Commitments. This new resource is available to all attendees, staff, exhibitors, and anyone participating in the Partners in the Outdoors Conference.

The Conference Ombuds will be available during the Partners in the Outdoors Conference for individual, confidential consultations in a private TBD. Walk-in consultations will be held on:

  • Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, April 24, 2025, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Use the form below to learn more or schedule an appointment with the ombuds.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about an ombuds function:

  1. What does a conference ombuds do?
  2. How do I contact the ombuds before, during, and after the conference?
  3. What does an ombuds not do?
  4. Who can use the ombuds service?
  5. What types of concerns are brought to the ombuds?
  6. What happens when you contact the ombuds?
  7. What might I gain by contacting the ombuds?
  8. What authority does the ombuds have?
  9. What happens to information provided to the ombuds?
  10. How does the conference ombuds differ from employee relations or Human Resources professionals?
  11. How does the conference ombuds differ from a lawyer?
  12. How does a conference ombuds differ from a mediator?
  13. What sort of issues and concerns come to the conference ombuds?
  14. If I have a concern on someone else’s behalf at the conference, may I contact the ombuds, or is this service only for people who are concerned about themselves?
  15. How does the ombuds remain neutral?
  16. Will the ombuds participate in formal meetings?
  17. How is the ombuds unique and different than other resources at Colorado Parks and Wildlife?
  18. Are there some things that will not be kept confidential?
  19. Will the ombuds talk to my attorney or testify for me or for the company if I choose to file a grievance or lawsuit?
  20. Can the user of the ombuds services remain anonymous?
  21. Does the Conference Ombuds report to Colorado Parks and Wildlife on issues they dealt with at the conference?
  22. What if my question is not listed here?

Resources

About the Ombuds

Conference attendees have access to MWI ombuds Jai Calloway.

Jai Calloway ombudsJai Calloway is an experienced, people‐focused ombuds with a mission to redefine how people understand and work together by harnessing the power of difference. Jai has spent over fourteen years working and studying conflict resolution methodology and its intersection with diversity and inclusion within organizational settings. Jai previously served as Corporate Ombuds for Halliburton Oil Services and serves as an external organizational ombuds for small businesses cross‐industry. She is an alumnus of the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law – Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution. Jai was Vice‐Chair of the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section and was Chair of the International Ombuds Association Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. In addition to her work as an ombuds and conference ombuds, Jai works as an organizational development consultant, where her focuses are conflict resolution, employee engagement, and diversity & inclusion.

Contact

  • Phone: (direct and confidential phone and voicemail) 
  • Confidential web form – If you would like to submit the form in confidence, you are not required to give your name.

Due to the confidential, impartial, informal, and independent nature of the ombuds function, communication with the ombuds does not constitute formal notice to CPW.

The CPW Charter for the 2025 Partners in the Outdoors Conference was established under a charter approved by the CPW Director. A copy of that charter is available here. The charter incorporates by reference the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and requires that the CPW ombuds adhere to the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The charter, as well as the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, contain important information about the ombuds and the manner in which the ombuds functions.

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