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Independent. Impartial. Confidential.—Supporting organisations across Australia and internationally for over 20 years

Certified Organisational Ombuds & Mediator

Guided by Advocacy Leadership

When a workplace issue lands on your desk and internal pathways aren't enough.

We're the call leaders make before it escalates.

Independent, confidential support that helps organisations in Australia and globally resolve conflict, transform culture, and build leadership capability — before issues become formal complaints, legal risk, or talent loss.

Trusted by organisations across corporate, resources, government and community sectors for over 20 years.

Typically responds within 24 hours

No obligation

Fully confidential

30-minute initial call

Independent support

Confidential pathways

Organisational insight

Practical resolution

Headquartered in Perth | Supporting organisations nationally and internationally

Trusted Credentials

Certified Organisational Ombuds

Nationally Accredited Mediator

ICF Certified Coach

20+ Years Experience

Perth-Based, Supporting Clients Globally

Credentials and accreditations

Certified Organisational Ombuds (IOA)

ICF-Certified Coach

Certified Conflict Management and Resolution (CRS)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Certified 360 Feedback Coach

Certified Leadership Architect (KornFerry)

Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS)

Certified Senior Human Resources Professional (CAHRI)

Master of Business Administration (Human Resources Management) (ECU)

Trauma and Injury Management Coordinator (WHS)

Certified SHL Assessor Personality and Ability (PAA) and Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)

The issues that stay hidden are often the ones that cost the most.

Workplace conflict rarely starts as a legal problem. It starts as tension, avoidance, mistrust, poor communication, or a concern people don’t feel safe raising.

EquipMe helps organisations surface issues earlier, respond fairly, and build healthier systems before problems become entrenched.

Imagine if your organisation could surface these issues months earlier — before the resignation letter, the formal complaint, or the call from a lawyer. That’s what independent support makes possible.

“Australian organisations lose an estimated $36 billion every year to workplace conflict and poor culture – through absenteeism, turnover, reduced productivity, and legal costs.”

— Safe Work Australia, 2024

Conflict that escalates into formal complaints

Minor tensions left unaddressed harden into formal grievances, costing organisations $50K-$200K in legal fees, leadership time, and productivity loss.

Culture issues invisible to leadership

Leaders see the surface. Deep-seated cultural risks – bullying, exclusion, toxic norms – remain hidden until they cause significant damage or talent exodus.

Leaders avoiding difficult conversations

Without the right tools or confidence, leaders delay hard conversations. Poor behaviour becomes normalised. High performers leave. Culture erodes.

Employees who don't trust internal pathways

When internal channels feel unsafe or biased, employees leave silently — taking institutional knowledge, morale and trust with them.

Three ways we help organisations move from tension to clarity.

Most organisations contact us when an issue is already in motion. The earlier we engage, the more options you have.

External Ombuds & Conflict Resolution

Independent, impartial and confidential support to help people raise concerns, navigate conflict and resolve issues before they escalate.

  • External ombuds support
  • Mediation & facilitated conversations
  • Conflict coaching
  • Confidential reporting pathways
  • Systemic issue analysis & reporting
Best for:
  • Employees:
    Trusted independent, impartial and confidential support when it matters most.
  • HR & People Leaders:
    Earlier intervention. Better outcomes.
  • CEOs & Executive Teams:
    Insight beyond formal reporting channels on emerging issues, hidden risks and organisational realities.
  • Legal, Risk & Governance Teams:
    Fewer escalations, mitigate risk. Stronger compliance and governance.
  • Boards & Governing Bodies:
    Independent insight. Better oversight and accountability.
  • Organisational Value:
    Building trust, preserving relationships, strengthening culture and organisational integrity.

HR Directors, CEOs, Legal teams managing live conflict or building early intervention systems

Explore conflict consulting

Culture, DEI & Workplace Transformation

Transform inclusion from a standalone initiative into a lived, everyday experience. We help organisations shift from good intentions to measurable, sustainable change.

  • Embedding inclusive systems
  • Cultural Audits
  • Shifting organisational norms
  • Building DEI capability
  • Strengthening psychological safety
Best for:
  • Organisations undergoing cultural change, mergers, or rapid growth
  • Teams experiencing low trust, misalignment, or inclusion challenges
  • Leaders wanting to embed DEI into strategy, not just training
  • Workplaces needing systemic, long‑term transformation
Explore culture consulting

Leadership Coaching & Development

Equip your leaders with the clarity, capability and confidence to navigate complexity while leading with empathy, authenticity and purpose.

  • Executive coaching
  • Leadership capability uplift
  • Crucial conversation mastery
  • Emerging leader development
  • Strengths‑based performance coaching
  • Career Coaching
Best for:
  • Executives seeking confidential, high‑impact coaching
  • Leaders stepping into new or expanded roles
  • Managers needing support with people leadership
  • Individuals wanting to accelerate growth and performance
Explore leadership consulting

Complementary Advisory & Workplace Assessments

Policy development, workplace assessments and practical advisory support for organisations that need structure, clarity and implementation guidance.

Not HR. Not an EAP. Not a formal investigation.

Internal teams are essential, but some issues need a neutral pathway. EquipMe works alongside existing structures to create a safe, independent space for early resolution, insight and capability-building.

The question isn’t whether you need HR, an EAP, or an investigation. It’s whether you also need an independent pathway for the issues that don’t fit neatly into those boxes.

Internal HR

Purpose

Compliance & policy enforcement

Independence

low

Confidentiality

limited

Timing

Often engaged when issues escalate

Best For

Organisational risk management

EAP

Purpose

Personal psychological support

Independence

high

Confidentiality

high

Timing

Reactive (when distressed)

Best For

Individual wellbeing counselling

Formal Investigation

Purpose

Fact-finding for policy breach

Independence

medium

Confidentiality

low

Timing

Late stage (after complaint)

Best For

Determining if policy was breached

Recommended

EquipMe External Ombuds

Purpose

Independent conflict resolution & systemic insight

Independence

high

Confidentiality

high

Timing

Early intervention (before complaints)

Best For

Resolving issues early & building capability

A clear, confidential process — from first contact to lasting resolution.

Engagements are tailored to your needs. Some organisations start with a single facilitated conversation. Many leaders benefit from sustained systemic support over 3–12 months.

01

Listen

Week 1

Understand the concern, context and desired outcome.

02

Diagnose

Week 1-2

Identify whether the issue is interpersonal, systemic, cultural or leadership-related.

03

Facilitate

Week 2-4

Create safe conversations and practical pathways for resolution.

04

Equip

Week 4-8

Strengthen leadership capability, communication and conflict confidence.

05

Report & Improve

Week 8+

Provide de-identified insights, themes and recommendations where appropriate.

What happens after you contact us: Initial call within 24 hours → Confidential consultation (30-60 min) → Tailored proposal → Engagement begins. If EquipMe is not the right fit, we will tell you in the first consultation — no obligation.

Every engagement starts with a single conversation. No commitment required.

You've seen how we work. The next step is a conversation.

Most leaders who contact us wish they had reached out sooner. A 30-minute confidential call costs nothing and changes everything.

Book a confidential consultationSend a confidential enquiry

No obligation

Fully confidential

Typically responds within 24 hours

You've seen how we work. The next step is a conversation.

Most leaders who contact us wish they had reached out sooner. A 30-minute confidential call costs nothing and changes everything.

No obligation

Fully confidential

Typically responds within 24 hours

Janet Vantriet

Founder & Principal

Credentials and accreditations

Certified Organisational Ombuds (IOA)
ICF-Certified Coach
Certified Conflict Management and Resolution (CRS)
Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Certified 360 Feedback Coach
Certified Leadership Architect (KornFerry)
Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS)
Certified Senior Human Resources Professional (CAHRI)
Master of Business Administration (Human Resources Management) (ECU)
Trauma and Injury Management Coordinator (WHS)
Certified SHL Assessor Personality and Ability (PAA) and Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)

Behind every engagement is someone who has sat where you sit.

EquipMe was founded by Janet Vantriet, a Certified Organisational Ombuds, Nationally Accredited Mediator, and ICF Certified Coach with over 20 years of experience in people and culture transformation.

Certified Organisational Ombuds

International Ombudsman Association

Nationally Accredited Mediator

AMDRAS Accredited

ICF Certified Coach

Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

20+ Years Experience

Senior HR & P&C Leadership

The Advocacy Leadership Philosophy

Janet’s work is underpinned by the philosophy of Advocacy Leadership. Effective leaders don’t just manage people—they actively advocate for a healthy, fair, and high-performing culture. It involves surfacing hidden tensions, championing transparent communication, and equipping teams to navigate conflict constructively rather than avoiding it.

"I'd welcome a conversation about what you're facing. — Janet"

The outcome is not just fewer complaints. It is a healthier system.

Earlier issue resolution — typically 60-70% faster than formal processes

Safer, more trusted reporting pathways

Stronger leadership confidence in handling complexity

Better cultural visibility for executives

Reduced escalation risk and legal exposure

Average engagement satisfaction: 9.2/10

“The organisations that thrive aren’t the ones without conflict. They’re the ones that handle it well.”

Testimonials

Janet has been an invaluable partner in strengthening organisational culture and resolving complex workplace issues. I’ve seen first-hand her impact as an Organisational Ombuds, guiding individuals and leaders through sensitive, high-stakes issues with care, sound judgement and professional discretion. Janet combines broad HR expertise with the Ombuds principles of independence and confidentiality, remaining objective while consistently demonstrating integrity, fairness and respect. She is a trusted advisor whose considered approach, insight and principled leadership leave a lasting positive impact.

Chris Watts

Execuitve People, Culture & Talent Leader

Janet was my trusted go-to person for tricky issues involving employee and management relations, especially during significant organisation changes. As the Ombudsperson in the APAC region at Chevron, she wasted little time in engaging stakeholders to understand their priorities and experiences. Amidst tension and discomfort in workplace settings, she brings calm and helps to restore safety for honest and respectful conversations to happen. More than that, she can help you grow skills and prepare your leaders to do the same.

Yit Nee Chong

Organisational Development Consultant

I worked with Janet Vantriet during our time at Chevron, where I served as the organisation’s Australasian Decision Making Team Lead for most of our joint tenure. In that capacity, I was closely involved in senior decision processes and leadership communications, and I engaged with Janet in a professional advisory context within a highly complex and sensitive operating environment.

At the time, the organisation was navigating significant systemic issues, requiring judgement, discretion, and an acute understanding of personal conduct, governance, and cultural boundaries.

As part of addressing these concerns, the company initiated an independent external review into reported behaviours. This process ultimately led to the implementation of enhanced behavioural monitoring and targeted training programs across the organisation. Janet’s work sat within this broader framework of reform, supporting individuals and leaders to engage constructively with the issues raised, and to operate in line with strengthened expectations of conduct.

In a professional capacity, Janet advised me on speechwriting for decision-making addresses, framing messages for diverse audiences, and handling difficult interpersonal situations with care and clarity. Her guidance consistently balanced empathy with accountability, and she had a rare ability to de-escalate tension while maintaining professional standards. Her manner is calm and disarming, which allowed people to engage openly without feeling exposed or judged.

Over time, my professional relationship with Janet developed into a genuine friendship. Importantly, however, Janet was always meticulous in maintaining a clear boundary between her professional role and personal support. At every stage, her conduct remained ethical, appropriate, and aligned with best practice for an Ombuds professional.

Outside the workplace, Janet had a positive influence on my personal life during a period of significant transition, including some difficult life moments. While this speaks to her character and empathy, it never compromised her professionalism or blurred roles when we were working together.

Janet Vantriet brings integrity, emotional intelligence, and sound judgement to complex human systems. I would have no hesitation recommending her Ombuds consultancy to organisations seeking trusted, independent support in environments where issues are sensitive, stakes are high, and professionalism is non-negotiable.

Rob Creswell

Commercial Advisor

Janet is a knowledgeable and experienced human resource specialist. We have engaged on a professional basis through her role as an Ombuds Manager at Chevron. I appreciated her direct and targeted approaches to the challenges which arose through my role. She provided strategies and ways to optimise team engagement, influencing upwards from both a management and stakeholder perspective, and developing high performing teams.

I have strongly encouraged colleagues to engage her services, as an objective third party perspective to approaching challenges that arise on a day-to-day basis within a role. She is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion, with a focus on advocating for equity and empathic leadership through the techniques she provides. I continue to apply the strategies that she has shared with me.

Melissa Grove

SEAA Director

I worked closely with Janet through her role with Chevron on the SRIB committee and as an SME in the organisation’s cultural transformation efforts. I found Janet very effective in partnering with key stakeholders and Senior Leadership in developing training materials, facilitating workshops, and driving initiatives.

Further, in my role as Manager, Commercial Cargo Operations, I personally engaged with Janet though her role as Ombuds Manager, using her extensive skills and knowledge to help guide me as an emerging leader through difficult personnel management and organisational challenges. I found Janet to be supportive, insightful and her advice effective in helping address the specific issues. I was also impressed with Janet’s ability to handle sensitive, high risk conversations with maturity.

Robert Hildebrand

Shippin & Energy Industry Leader, GAICD, Master CI:1

I worked with Janet at Chevron in multiple capacities at Chevron. She brings exceptional communication, DIO and counselling skills. She was instrumental in setting up the Ombuds function in Asia Pacific and EMEA, which was a new function for the region. In her role she has made a lasting impact in how people and functions work together during periods of ongoing change. She has played a critical role on various diversity and inclusion initiatives. Janet brings a unique skill set in being able to work operationally to confidentially guide and acts strategically to drive change.

Anita Baroni

People & Culture Leader & Employee Experience Consultant

Janet is an excellent HR Manager with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of HR issues. Her attention to detail is excellent also she is a fabulous recruitment consultant who really cares about her candidates. I felt she was easy to approach with issues and I could always talk to her if I had concerns/ issues. She was open to listening, goes above and beyond to help and support them through the recruitment process and any HR-related issues that arise. She is an excellent ambassador for the firms she represents and I would highly recommend her

Shane SK

Senior Process & Quality Engineer

Over a persons career, and mine is now over 45 years, you have the opportunity to work with a huge diversity of people from so many backgrounds, experience, knowledge, empathy, humility and integrity.
I was privileged to have worked with Janet for a short period of time and have followed her career path since.
One of the most impressive attributes a person can have is their word and their integrity.
I wish Janet the very best of health and best wishes for her personal and profession aspirations and look forward to seeing Janet advance and achieve in life and work interests. Thanks Janet for being you. The world needs more people like you.

Paul Griffiths

Business & Development Manager

“Janet is an exceptional HR leader and Ombudsman. During the last 14 years, I have had the pleasure of working on a number of partnership opportunities, and she leads by example.
She has always kept highly professional and shared extensive knowledge. I believe she is one of the best HR managers and Ombudsman I ever had, as her people skills are highly developed.
Her ability to deal with large scale and complex HR matters and come up with new ways to achieve results were always an inspiration. I’m delighted I had the chance to learn and partner with Janet over the years.”

Mark May

Global Managing Director & Practice Manager

I worked with Janet when she was working as the HR Business Partner in our WA operations, she is the consummate professional with a strong knowledge in her field, bringing some great initiatives to the operation , her value to the business soon became apparent and we were sorry to lose her to a more senior role at head office, she made a positive impact in this role also, sincerely Chris Grant Technical Manager.

Chris Grant

Technical & Quality Assurance Manager

Questions leaders often ask before engaging independent support.

An organisational ombuds is an independent, impartial and confidential resource that helps people explore workplace concerns, conflict and options for resolution outside formal management or HR pathways. We provide a safe, neutral space for issues to surface early — before they escalate into formal complaints or legal matters.

Advocacy Leadership is the core philosophy underpinning our work. It’s the belief that effective leaders don’t just manage people—they actively advocate for a healthy, fair, and high-performing culture. It involves surfacing hidden tensions, championing transparent communication, and equipping teams to navigate conflict constructively rather than avoiding it.

Your HR team is essential — and they’re also part of the organisation. Some issues need a pathway that sits outside the reporting structure entirely. An external ombuds gives employees and leaders a confidential space to raise concerns they wouldn’t raise internally. We work alongside your HR team, not instead of them.

EAPs provide personal psychological support for individuals. An external ombuds addresses workplace and systemic issues — conflict between people, cultural concerns, leadership challenges, and trust breakdowns. We focus on resolving the workplace issue itself, not just supporting the individual experiencing it. Both are valuable; they serve different purposes.

No. EquipMe works as an external, independent support layer that complements your HR, legal, leadership and wellbeing functions. Our independence means employees and leaders can raise concerns confidentially, without fear of bias or organisational consequences.

Yes. EquipMe provides a confidential space for people to raise concerns, explore options and understand constructive next steps. We only report de-identified themes and systemic issues to leadership — individual conversations remain confidential unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm.

EquipMe focuses on early intervention, mediation and conflict resolution — not formal investigations. If a formal investigation is needed, we can support workplace assessments and advisory work, but we will clearly scope this with you first.

Senior HR leaders, executives, legal teams, CEOs and organisations seeking independent support with conflict, culture transformation and leadership complexity. We work with corporate, resources, government and community sectors across Australia and internationally.

We typically respond to enquiries within 24 hours. For urgent matters, we can often arrange an initial consultation within 1-12 hours. Our goal is to help you address issues before they escalate further.

Engagements are tailored to your needs. Some organisations start with a single facilitated conversation. Others need ongoing systemic support. The minimum period to fully assess an organisation’s culture, practices and trends is 6–12 months. Janet typically works on a retainer basis for 12 months, though workplace assessments and specific projects may be shorter. After an initial confidential consultation, we provide a tailored proposal outlining scope, timeframes and investment.

EquipMe partners with organisations at every stage of growth. Whether you’re a startup, a mid‑sized team or a multinational enterprise of 100,000 people, workplace conflict and culture challenges demand the same level of care, independence and expertise. We tailor our approach to your scale, complexity and budget.

The best way to find out if we can help is a conversation.

Have a 15 min orientation call

The issue on your mind right now — let's talk about it.

Your enquiry is confidential. There is no obligation. If EquipMe is not the right fit, we will tell you.

We work with a limited number of organisations at any time to ensure quality and availability.

Typically responds within 24 hours

No obligation

Fully confidential

Join organisations across Australia and internationally who chose independent support before issues escalated.