The Internal Ombudsman Shared Service (IOSS) was adopted by Cumberland City Council, Inner West Council and City of Parramatta in July 2017. This arrangement was developed to ensure that the three member organisations can assure their communities of independence and impartiality in this critical function, whilst also ensuring that the approach delivers a best value outcome for the investment in this area.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Cumberland City, Inner West and City of Parramatta Councils have partnered with Greenway Executive Partners for the recruitment of aa highly professional and experienced leader with a deep understanding of conflict resolution strategies, excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to high ethical principles and practices. This is a 12-month fixed term contract position.
Based in Auburn and working across three metropolitan Councils including Inner West, Cumberland and Parramatta, the Internal Ombudsman provides management and leadership of the Internal Ombudsman Shared Service (IOSS). The Internal Ombudsman reports directly to an IOSS Management Committee and promotes awareness of the responsibilities of council officials and councillors to the public, to act reasonably and to comply with the law, the Councils' Codes of Conduct and best practice in administrative conduct and governance.
A competitive remuneration package and flexible working arrangements is on offer for the successful candidate.
THE ROLE
The key functions of the role are to:
* Promote improved governance and effective administrative conduct
* Receive, assess, investigate and report on external and internal complaints regarding conduct, administration, and related issues.
* Lead complex and sensitive investigations
* Resolve complaints, deal with conflict and seek appropriate resolution to difficult and challenging situations through the use of effective complaint handling abilities, sound analysis, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Lead the development and delivery of conduct, ethics and probity-related training for Councillors and staff across all member Councils.
* Drive any of the IOSS' functional activities including the promotion and development of the Office and communication with all the IOSS' stakeholders.
* Provide ongoing evaluation and monitoring of service and project performance, including recording and reporting complaint statistics and identifying trends.
* Evaluate and monitor the service and project performance; including recording and reporting complaint statistics; identification of trends; and reporting of such to the IOSS Management Committee and each Council's Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and other parties as required.
* Lead change in the organisations, by providing valid, effective and efficient reports which provide sound recommendations upon which the Council and/or the IOSS Management Committee can act.
* Comply with each member Council's Code of Conduct, policies and procedures.
ABOUT YOU
* Demonstrated high level experience in managing and conducting investigations, covering all aspects of the investigation process.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications such as law, ethics, and business/HR management and/or significant relevant business experience.
* Demonstrated commitment to high level ethical principles and practices.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including complex report writing and evidence presentation.
* Extensive complaint handling ability and experience including dealing with Code of Conduct matters and Public Interest Disclosures, demonstrating sound negotiation, strategic thinking, consultation and dispute resolution skills.
* Knowledge of, and ability to implement, systems review and corruption prevention strategies and methodologies.
* Demonstrated knowledge of administrative law principles relating to procedural fairness and workplace investigations.
* Experience in developing and/or delivering education and/or training in relation to conduct and probity-related areas and to provide high level Briefings to Councillors and external agencies/ stakeholders, including in relation to contentious and sensitive issues.
* Knowledge of the interface between the Internal Ombudsman function and relevant external agencies, including the Office of Local Government, the NSW ICAC, and the NSW Ombudsman.
Further information:
For further information or a confidential discussion, please call Kelly Mico at Greenway Executive Partners on 02 9000 1108 or email office@greenwayexecutive.com
Applications should include a current CV and cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the essential criteria in the position description.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for consideration.
Applications must be received by 5:00pm AEST, Friday 17 April 2026 through Greenway Executive Partners.
Please note that Cumberland City Council is not accepting applications for this role on behalf of Greenway Executive Partners.
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