As we celebrate our 3rd anniversary, it’s wonderful to reflect on how far we’ve come as Australia’s first Independent Workplace Ombuds. From our early days of building trust with our first clients to becoming a key partner in early conflict resolution for organisations across various industries, these three years have been defined by growth, learning, and meaningful collaboration.
The journey so far
When we first set out to create Australia’s first independent workplace ombuds service, our vision was clear: we wanted to provide an impartial, confidential space for employees and organisations in Australia to address workplace concerns, resolve conflicts, and create healthier work environments.
From the beginning, we recognised the importance of supporting diverse voices, such as those of First Nations people, whose experiences often require culturally sensitive approaches. Our application of international best practice in workplace ombuds services in the Australian context quickly gained momentum as organisations recognised the value of having an impartial third party to help navigate complex workplace dynamics and provide recommendations on systemic issues.
In our first year, we worked with a range of clients—from large corporations seeking to revamp their approach to handling formal processes to smaller NFPs looking to establish fair workplace practices. As word spread about the positive impact of our services, our client base expanded. By the end of our second year, we had partnered with organisations in sectors as diverse as healthcare, finance, and education. We always said, “context is everything” and each new client brought unique challenges and opportunities, allowing us to refine our approach and deepen our impact.
Collaboration and partnership
Our success over the past 3 years is a testament to the power of collaboration. We’ve had the privilege of working with organisations that understand the importance of creating a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace. These partnerships have been central to our mission.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work has been seeing the tangible impact of our efforts. Our trusted Advisers experience enormous satisfaction from enabling an employee to have a conversation they otherwise would have avoided. Our clients are able to identify trends they otherwise would not have known about e.g. alleged bullying cases are reported from people with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Our work has also extended to supporting organisations in times of unprecedented legislative change in relation to Respect@Work, psychosocial risks, return to office and the right to disconnect along with economic uncertainty driving organisational change and restructure.
Building healthier workplaces, one partnership at a time
Over the past 3 years, we’ve learned that no two organisations are the same. Each client we work with has its own unique culture, challenges, and goals. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each organisation.
Our partnerships go beyond resolving immediate conflicts—they’re about empowering organisations to create lasting change. We’ve seen firsthand how a proactive approach to conflict resolution can transform workplace culture and lead to long-term success. And as we continue to grow, we’re committed to expanding our impact even further.
Looking ahead
As we enter our fourth year, we’re excited for what’s to come. The challenges organisations face is ever evolving, which is why we are so committed to creating a partnership. We’re continuously exploring new ways to support our clients, whether through expanding our services, offering more in-depth education, or leveraging technology to provide more accessible conflict resolution solutions.
We’re also deeply committed to staying true to our core mission: to be a trusted, neutral partner in creating healthier workplaces. As we reflect on the past three years, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the trust our clients and partners have placed in us.
To our clients, supporters, and partners—thank you. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without you. We look forward to continuing this journey together, creating more positive impact and fostering stronger, more resilient workplaces.
Here’s to the next chapter of growth, collaboration, and shared success!
Lindall West | Managing Director
Our third anniversary marks not just a milestone, but a celebration of the relationships we’ve built, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the successes we’ve achieved together. Thank you for being a part of our story – we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
