Confidential • Informal • Impartial • Independent

When you don’t know where to turn, the Ombuds Office is here to help. 

To reach Ross Tompkins, the Town Ombuds:

• call 919-265-0806 
• email ombuds@townofchapelhill.org 

Please use email for scheduling only. Sensitive information shared via email may become a public record. 

Why Ombuds?

The Ombuds is your trusted navigator.     

• The Ombuds empowers people and the Town to reach their full potential. 
• The Ombuds engages with people and the Town to help inform critical decisions.
• The Ombuds helps people build and strengthen relationships across the Town. 
• The Ombuds surveys the local terrain, monitors trends and promotes fair process.

How can an Ombuds Help? 

An Ombuds provides a safe and confidential environment for you to discuss delicate questions and difficult issues in an informal, secure and discreet manner.   

 How we can help you help yourself:

• Role-play through a situation
• Provide training about difficult issues
• Provide information, assistance and referrals
• Help you explore all your options. 
• Help analyze complex and difficult problems
• Explore non-adversarial approaches for resolving concerns  
• Help you get an explanation or clarification of policies and procedures
• Offer a confidential, informal sounding board
• Address issues at the most appropriate level

Ombuds benefit the community by:

• Providing Town leadership with general information regarding community interests, while maintaining the confidentiality of our visitors. 
• Connecting people to community resources.
• Empowering community members to confidently engage with their local government. 

Ombuds don't:

• Take sides in a dispute.    
• Conduct formal investigations.
• Serve as a witness or testify in a formal proceeding.
• Accept or provide official notice of an alleged violation.
• Make any decisions for you.
• Offer legal advice.
• Share your information with anyone.
• Force you to do anything.

Arrange a Meeting 

For more information about the Town’s Ombuds Program, to schedule a meeting, or to have the Ombuds visit your organization or workplace, please call 919-265-0806. In-Person, virtual, and telephone options are available.  

Ombuds Professional Standards

The International Ombuds Association (IOA) represents almost 1000 members from across the globe.  The Chapel Hill Ombuds is a member of IOA and practices according to the IOA Code of Ethics and IOA Standards of Practice. Learn more here:  https://www.ombudsassociation.org/

LGBTQ+ Liaison to the Town Manager: Matt DeBellis, Records Manager

The Town of Chapel Hill prides itself on building trust and creating a space where all of its citizens can thrive. The Town has established itself as the leader in North Carolina for community relations and building trust with the LGBTQ+ Community.  Our LGBTQ+ Liaison to the Town Manager can help give guidance and advice on how to strengthen these bonds.  Anyone who has concerns or questions pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community can email the Liaison to the Town Manager, Matt DeBellis,  directly at mdebellis@townofchapelhill.org or call him at (919) 969-5016.

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