Program Directors
Sandy Hermiston
Ombudsperson & Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner, PEI
Nadine Mailloux
Ombudsperson, Ville de Montréal
Eligible for
For the more experienced Ombuds professional, this advanced certificate will explore and analyze some of the most challenging problems confronting today’s Ombuds.
Created by the developers of the highly successful Osgoode/FCO Certificate – Essentials for Ombuds, this intensive training collaboration between the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Professional Development (part of Osgoode Hall Law School) will ensure that you’re able to confidently address and resolve some of the more complex situations.
You will learn from a truly exceptional faculty of leading experts. This program will focus on practical, real world situations and provide ample opportunity for hands-on learning, questions and class discussion. Whether it’s examining the elements of a major investigation or assessing how to effectively lead your Ombuds office, the faculty will ensure you leave with tactics and solutions to overcome these often vexing situations.
What You’ll Learn
You will get practical tips and strategies in areas including:
Investigations: conducting, funding, monitoring, reactions, results and recommendations
Interacting with the media and addressing the perils that can arise from “fake news”
Using various forms of media to build higher visibility and produce more persuasive and accurate content
Managing perceptions as it relates to how the Ombuds role is perceived, supported and/or undermined by “insiders”
Creating an inclusive working environment for Ombuds staff that are receptive to and supportive of a wide diversity of points of view, backgrounds, differences of all kinds
Delivering high quality and innovative service in early resolution and investigative work on a day-to-day basis and evaluate performance
Who Should Attend
While no prerequisite is required to register in this Certificate program, we do recommend that attendees have completed The Osgoode/FCO Certificate – Essentials for Ombuds OR have at least five years of experience in one of the following roles:
Ombuds (working in legislated roles or in public and private sector organizations or associations established by policy, Charter, Order-in-Council, etc.)
Assistant/Deputy Ombuds, and Directors in Ombuds offices
Senior leaders of Investigative bodies or Dispute Resolution Offices
Senior investigators in an Ombuds context
Legal or other specialized counsel to Ombuds offices
Commissioners, Members of Board of Inquiry
Faculty
Program Directors
Sandy Hermiston
Ombudsperson & Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner, PEI
Nadine Mailloux
Ombudsperson, Ville de Montréal
Norm Bosse
Child, Youth and Senior Advocate, New Brunswick
“The faculty were all extremely experienced and qualified and they were all very receptive to engaging the course participants for their questions and comments.”
Agenda
View the 2023 program brochure and agenda.
Register
Apr 1, 2, 15, 16, 23 & 24, 2025
Please Note: Modules 5 and 6 (April 23 and 24, 2025) are happening LIVE in-person only. All other modules are available online only.
$2,995 + TAX
Time
April 1, 2025
12:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m (ET)
April 2, 2025
12:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m (ET)
April 15, 2025
12:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m (ET)
April 16, 2025
12:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m (ET)
April 23, 2025
9:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)
April 24, 2025
9:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)
Location
Printable Registration Form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
Certificate Requirements
To receive an Osgoode/FCO Certificate, you must complete attend all program days and successfully complete an online assessment within 30 days of the last module.
Florence Flower
WorkSafeNB
“I also completed the Essentials for Ombuds Certificate program and this did not disappoint. The quality of the instructors, the time to discuss and ask questions as well as the safe environment to share was incredibly valuable.”
CPD and Accreditation
Please Note
Final CPD accreditation has yet to be confirmed. The hours below are for the 2023 iteration of the program and should be used as an estimate only. Confirmed hours will be available soon.
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive | 21h 30m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h 30m |
| EDI | 1h 30m |
| Total | 24h 30m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
Stéphane McRoberts, Program Lawyer
smcroberts@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.