Certified Organisational Ombuds (IOA)
For Boards directors & Chairs
Independent counsel, when independence is what matters most.
Confidential support to chairs, directors and committee members on the governance questions that cannot be delegated downwards.
Some questions don’t belong in the executive papers. CEO conduct. Culture findings the audit committee needs an outside view on. Whistleblower-adjacent matters that the existing process can’t independently hold. EquipMe Coaching & Consulting is the standing counsel a chair can call.
When Boards work with us
CEO conduct or performance questions
When the board needs an independent read on a sensitive question about the CEO or a senior executive, before the next conversation with the executive lands in the meeting.
Independent culture reviews
Anonymised, evidence-based reviews that the board can read, the executive can act on, and the regulator (or media, if it ever lands there) recognises as a credible independent process.
Whistleblower-adjacent matters
Matters that touch, but don’t fully meet, the formal whistleblower threshold, and need a confidential, professional space before they harden into something formal.
Standing counsel for the chair
A long-running confidential relationship the chair can use to think out loud on cultural, conduct and governance questions as they arise. A small retainer, used when needed.
Independence and professional standing
What independence actually looks like
EquipMe Coaching & Consulting operates to International Ombuds Association professional standards: confidentiality, neutrality, independence and informality.
Janet holds:
We hold professional indemnity. We do not act as investigators. We do not provide legal advice. We work alongside, not instead of, your governance counsel and legal advisors.
Ready to lead with advocacy: Three ways to start a conversation
Download the Conduct Risk Snapshot
A short diagnostic, written for HR teams, to help you locate which conduct and culture risks are most exposed in your current setup.
Have a 15 min orientation call
Confidential scoping conversation. Bring your situation; we will tell you whether we are the right fit and what the next step is – whether it is working with us or pointing you elsewhere.
Brief Janet
If you already know what you need. Tell us the situation; we will come back within one working day.