The Space Telescope Science Institute 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.
About the STScI Ombuds Team
STScI employees should contact one of the ombuds below to discuss options for resolution.
Bina Patel
Ombuds Team Member
Bina Patel is an experienced organizational ombuds practitioner specializing in conflict resolution, facilitation, and complex organizational systems across federal, nonprofit, and international environments.
Scott Deyo
Ombuds Team Member
Scott Deyo brings extensive experience in conflict resolution across academic, nonprofit, and federal sectors. He supports individuals and organizations in building collaborative workplace environments.
What Is the Ombuds Resource?
The ombuds is an independent, informal resource for discussing workplace concerns, exploring options, and navigating difficult situations. You can bring questions, challenges, or conflicts of any kind and work through them in a thoughtful, low-risk way.
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 organization
- Replace Human Resources or legal processes
- Receive official notice for the organization
- 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 STScI 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.
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 individual or STScI.
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.
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 People Are Saying
Feedback from individuals who have worked with an ombuds.
"They were thoughtful in their approach to assisting me with my issue and offered several suggestions for solutions.”
“Human connection/understanding. I am fully aware that my situation isn't exactly ideal and maybe partially (although unintentionally) self-inflicted. I was advised professionally and personally without feeling blame or shame and I really needed that.”
“[The ombuds] was able to listen to my very stressful situation and come up with practical solutions that helped me bring it to a conclusion with a good outcome!!.”
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 STScI ombuds resource operates under a charter approved by STScI leadership and follows the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. View the charter here.