What we expect from you:
We are committed to communicating with you in a courteous and respectful manner, and we expect the same in return.
Unacceptable behaviour:
We understand that when you contact us, you may be dealing with frustrating or stressful circumstances and emotional issues. However, we will not tolerate behaviour that is harassing, abusive, intimidating, discriminatory or threatening. The Ombudsman’s Office will take appropriate action where necessary to protect the safety and well-being of staff.
Engaging in any of these behaviours may result in the loss of or restriction of service.
Examples of unacceptable behaviours include:
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Harassment, bullying, verbal abuse, making threats, shouting and yelling, or seeking to intimidate staff
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Making excessive, unreasonable or aggressive demands, submissions, or enquiries
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Sexual harassment
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Using profanity and/or obscene language
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Causing unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions
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Refusing to leave the Ombudsman’s Office when requested
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Making discriminatory comments, including racial, gender, or ethnic slurs
Service and communication restrictions:
We reserve the right to restrict service and communication if you harass, abuse, intimidate, discriminate against or threaten our staff. Examples of how we might restrict your service include restricting you from visiting or calling our Office and requiring you to communicate with us in writing only. Service restrictions seek to balance our commitment to serving you fairly and with respect against our duty to protect staff from abuse or harm.
Social media:
We observe similar principles of respectful communication in our use of social media and interactions with users and followers. See our Social Media Engagement Policy.