Common Questions

Q: What is Ombuds?

A: The Professional Ombuds team is made up of unbiased, objective, and confidential facilitators who respond to integrity concerns and advocate for integrity and compliance in the workplace. The professional team is comprised of a Global Ombuds Leader who manages the program and two Deputy Ombuds Leaders who manage the cases globally. In addition to the professional team, there are more than 100+ employees within the business who serve as part-time/local Ombudspersons. An Ombudsperson works with an employee raising a concern to ensure that concern is submitted to the professional team and is assigned an investigator, if applicable, to review the matter and conduct interviews.

Q: Who investigates Integrity Concerns?

A: An investigator is assigned based on region, concern type, or subject/language expertise. Primary Integrity investigators are assigned from our Ombuds Investigations, Monitoring, and Assurance (OIMA) Team, however, some matters require expertise, language skills, or objectivity outside of the professional team. Part-Time Investigators are trained and assigned to matters as required.

Q: Are my conversations related to an Ombuds concern kept confidential?

A: Information learned through the Ombuds or investigations team is kept as confidential as possible. Information is only shared on a need to know basis. Employees may also file a concern anonymously through any of our channels, however, if they choose this option, they are asked to provide sufficient detail to proceed with an investigation and/or follow up. GE HealthCare strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual for submitting an Ombuds concern or participating in an Ombuds investigation.

Q: How can I submit a concern?

A: You can submit a number of ways including: the NAVEX web Intake form; the NAVEX phone hotline (provided in more than 70 countries and 200 languages); contacting a local Ombudsperson (click on Resources at top of page to see full list); speaking with your People Leader, HR, Compliance, or Legal; emailing the professional team at GE HealthCare.OmbudsOffice@ge.com.

Q: Is Ombuds the same as HR?

A: No, the professional Ombuds and investigations teams are part of Compliance (Legal & Compliance). The teams are structured to maintain integrity and adherence to GE HealthCare’s Spirit & Letter Policy. If concerns are raised through the Ombuds process that are related to HR matters, local HR managers are involved in the investigation and review process. The professional Ombuds team is made up of unbiased, objective, and confidential facilitators who respond to integrity concerns and advocate for integrity and compliance in the workplace.

Q: Will I hear about the outcome of my reported concern?

A: Once the investigation is completed, the investigator will contact the person who raised the concern to notify them of the closure. In order to maintain confidentiality of the Ombuds process, no additional information other than the closure is provided to the Concern Raiser. As part of the process, the professional Ombuds team does not close out with any witnesses involved in the investigation.

Q: Can the company trace my call if I raise a concern through the hotline?

A: No, there is no way for the company to trace calls made through the hotline. Ombuds Hotlines do not use caller ID.

Q: If I raise a concern, how can I be assured it will be reviewed?

A: All integrity concerns are thoroughly reviewed. Every concern may not require a formal investigation, but we have an obligation and commitment to respond to every reported concern in a timely manner.

Q: If my concern is substantiated, will those involved be disciplined?

A: Although many non-conformances to GE HealthCare policies result from unintentional mistakes, disciplinary action is taken in appropriate cases, including those that involve intentional wrongdoing. NOTE: The Ombuds team does not directly impose disciplinary actions.

Q: If the issue doesn’t involve me, should I submit the concern?

A: Even if you are not directly involved or affected by a situation you believe to be wrong, it is your responsibility to speak up. The GE HealthCare Sprit & Letter requires all employees to promptly raise concerns about potential violations of any GE HealthCare policy. Asking questions and raising concerns protects you and it protects the company.