SYT
** Announcing SYT IV **
November 29 - December 1, 2010.
St. Andrew's Club & Conference Centre, Toronto, Ontario
For more information on how to register, download the SYT IV earlybird brochure HERE or send an email to training@ombudsman.on.ca or call Sue Mason at 416-586-3453.
BROCHURE:
The Ombudsman offers an advanced training course for administrative watchdogs interested in honing their investigative skills. Sharpening Your Teeth (SYT) is a three-day intensive and interactive course which offers watchdogs a chance to learn about the techniques and successes of the Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT). For more information, send an email to: training@ombudsman.on.ca.
“Sharpening Your Teeth is one of, if not the, top training seminars of its kind in the world.” – Panorama Daily, Gibraltar, October 2, 2008 
Michelle DiEmanuele, CEO, Credit Valley Hospital, addressing participants at SYT II (Sept. 2008) on the value of effective oversight.
Unique in its focus – systemic investigations – SYT brings together staff from investigative agencies from around the world.
Participants are briefed on principles of excellent investigative work, conducting interviews, assessing evidence, report writing and communicating with the public – with sessions conducted by Ontario Ombudsman André Marin, SORT Director Gareth Jones and other investigative, legal and communications staff.
Watchdog administrators from around the world attended the training from Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda. There were representatives from the offices of the Métis Ombudsman, Veterans Ombudsman, Canadian Human Rights Commission, and several provincial oversight offices. Also represented were the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.K. Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive:
“It was thought-provoking to learn about the SORT approach.”
“Fantastic learning! Very informative and productive.”
“It was the most useful training I have taken since I have been appointed.”
“It was extremely motivational.”
The course is conducted by the Ontario Ombudsman’s office on a complete cost-recovery basis. SYT was first offered in 2007 and brought back by popular demand for a second edition in 2008 and third edition in 2009.