Title: Existing channels
Course: Code of Ethics and conduct OAS - 3rd Edition > Section: Module 4. Channels for Victims, Duty to Report Misconduct, and Whistleblowing

According to the Policy and Conflict Resolution System for Prevention and Elimination of All Forms of Workplace Harassment, the Office of the Ombudsperson is a good place to start when an aggrieved individual is not sure where to go for help with a concern.

Prior to pursuing any of the specific processes that are available, aggrieved individuals may choose to resort to any of the following preliminary measures:

- Confronting the alleged offender and asking him/her to cease the offensive behavior;

- Reporting the grievance to a supervisor, including the first or second level supervisor;

- Report the grievance to a DHR officer; and/or

- Reporting the grievance to any member of the Staff Association Committee.

An aggrieved individual may present a complaint through the informal process to the Office of the Ombudsperson. (Communications made to the Ombudsperson are not notice to the organization.)

Also, an aggrieved individual may submit a written complaint through the formal process to the  Office of the Inspector General

The formal process is recommended in any of the following circumstances:

 a) When the informal process is not desired by the aggrieved individual;

b) When the use of the informal process would not be appropriate by any of the parties involved; or

c) When the informal process has been used but has failed to resolve the conflict to the satisfaction of the parties. (According to Policy and Conflict Resolution System for Prevention and Elimination of All Forms of Workplace Harassment, Annex B, Section XII, art. 13.1)