The Ombuds Compass: Practical Guidance and Tools for University Ombuds in Central Europe

The Ombuds Compass: Practical Guidance and Tools for University Ombuds in Central Europe is a collaborative practical handbook developed within the project V4 OmbudsLink: Fostering Collaboration Across Borders.

The publication brings together the knowledge, experience and perspectives of university ombuds practitioners and experts from the Visegrad countries. It aims to support the establishment, development and professionalisation of ombuds services in higher education, with particular attention to the institutional contexts of Central Europe.

The handbook is organised into three main chapters:

1. Understanding Ombuds Practice – exploring the role of university ombuds, key principles, casework, systemic activities, institutional cooperation and the practical conditions needed for effective ombuds services.
2. Outreach, Visibility and Communication of Ombuds Services – providing approaches and practical tools for communicating the ombuds role, building trust, engaging stakeholders and increasing the accessibility and visibility of ombuds services.
3. Ombuds Accountability – examining independence, accountability, transparency, reporting, feedback and professional development as essential elements of credible and sustainable ombuds practice.

The publication also includes a glossary of key terms and practical resources intended to help readers apply its recommendations in different institutional settings.

The Ombuds Compass is designed for university ombuds, higher education institutions, university leaders, policymakers and other professionals working to promote fair, safe and trustworthy academic environments. It is intended as a resource that can be consulted, adapted and further developed in response to evolving professional practice.

The publication was developed as an output of the V4 OmbudsLink project, co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund.