The outcomes of investigations should be made known to the body being investigated and to the public. The ombudsman’s operating procedures and regulations, particularly for complaint investigations, should be made public. Reports and the outcomes of investigations should be made public and the ombudsman should have a media and dissemination policy, including dissemination to minority media. The ombudsman must ensure access to the institution in terms of information (website, language, telephone etc.) and also geographical/physical access. Confidentiality/data protection issues Minority issues can be sensitive in nature and the ombudsman must have a policy on confidentiality and privacy of personal data. Efficiency Complaint and correspondence tracking mechanisms should be put in place. Financial monitoring must be undertaken to ensure maximum efficiency. Language use The ombudsman should have a language policy for internal and external communication. The language policy of the minority ombudsman institution should allow persons to use the ombudsman’s services in a minority language or with free services of an interpreter. This includes to approach the institution and to receive replies in a minority language. Management of relationships with analogous domestic bodies The ombudsman should maintain close links with other bodies or mechanisms available to assist with minority protection, however, the different jurisdiction and mandate of each body or organization must also be heeded. Bringing international standards to bear The ombudsman must keep abreast of developments in international standards and law in the minority protection field. The ombudsman should establish and maintain a library of relevant legal materials and information about domestic developments. Training There should be a training plan for staff of the ombudsman so that they stay abreast of national and international developments in minority protection. Dissemination of legal standards The ombudsman should be involved in the dissemination of information about national and international developments in minority protection to relevant government departments, organizations, schools and the media. Cooperation with similar institutions in other jurisdictions, and international agencies and institutions The ombudsman should identify minority-related international monitoring bodies or mechanisms, and international NGOs active in the minority protection field. 14