Respectful Workplace Facilitators (RWFs) Programme
The Respectful Workplace Facilitators (RWFs) programme is an initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman, made up of a community of colleagues trained in conflict management skills to support their peers with workplace-related concerns.
RWFs are based in the field, within their own country and regional offices, so they can be a first point of contact whenever personnel have a workplace concern. Any personnel, regardless of contract type, can reach out to the RWF in their respective office.
The Office of the Ombudsman manages, supervises, and supports the RWFs throughout their role. Because RWFs work within certain limitations, they may refer cases to the Office of the Ombudsman when appropriate and if the visitor colleague consents. If they prefer, personnel are welcome to reach out directly to the Office of the Ombudsman.
RWFs are trained peer volunteers, nominated by and voted by their own colleagues. The Office of the Ombudsman fully train the RWFs before they are permitted to take on the role and supervises and supports throughout their tenure.
The aim of the programme is to build capacity in conflict prevention and resolution at the local level, in country and regional offices across UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women.
What RWFs Do
If you have an RWF in your office and have any workplace concern, you can request a meeting with one. When you meet with an RWF, you can expect a confidential, one-on-one conversation about any workplace related matter. RWFs are trained to:
Listen
Giving you their full, undivided attention in a safe space to share your concerns.
Ask questions
Helping you understand your situation from new and different perspectives.
Explore options
Helping you consider the resources and paths available to you, so that the next step is always yours to take.
Coach
Provide you with tools and techniques that will help you resolve your workplace concern directly (for example, support for preparing you to have a difficult conversation).
Refer to other resources
Refer you to other resources available (our Office or within the Organization – both formal and informal).
RWFs cannot investigate, mediate, represent you, escalate your concerns, or make decisions on your behalf. Their role is to support you informally as you decide what, if anything, to do next.
Guiding Principles
RWFs practice and are protected by the same principles as the Office of the Ombudsman: confidentiality, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
Training and Continuous Learning
Before taking up their role, RWFs complete a five-day, fully immersive and experiential training programme delivered by the Office of the Ombudsman. The training covers the role of RWFs and the Ombudsman’s Office, the operating principles that guide their work, the conflict coaching process, active listening, recognizing and validating emotions, and asking effective, clarifying questions — reinforced through multiple hands-on role-playing sessions.
Learning doesn’t stop after the initial training. Throughout the year, RWFs have the opportunity to keep building their skills through regular online Masterclasses and regional meetings, ensuring they continue to grow in their role and stay connected with the wider RWF community.
Get in touch
If you think your office would benefit from this programme, or if you would like to check which offices have RWFs, please reach out to the RWF Programme Coordinators, Maria Migoya and Tamar Gur
Materials
RWF Terms of Reference
Images from our in-person trainings
