Harry Reed Named Berkeley Lab Ombudsman

Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu has given Harry Reed, the Laboratory's Head of the Office of Workforce Diversity, the additional responsibility of serving as Laboratory Ombudsman.

Director Chu explained that the Ombudsman's role is that of an impartial, confidential, informal and independent resource available to all Lab staff. The Ombudsman's services include:

• Helping to resolve complaints, misunderstandings and conflicts stemming from laboratory policies, procedures, practices and relationships;
• Conducting informal, impartial investigations and recommending changes to policies and procedures;
• Providing information about Laboratory resources, policies and procedures
• Making referrals as appropriate

Chu said of the new role: "I believe employee engagement aimed at promoting communication and understanding is integral to building trust and promoting positive change, and to advancing a respectful workplace environment. Harry has a broad understanding of the Laboratory community and will continue to be an important advisor to me and to the rest of the senior management team."