How is Ea Independent from AUT?

As an Organisational Ombuds service, Ea is independent of AUT's structure and function.

Ea is styled on an Organisational Ombuds [Ombuds] programme and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor (VC) and is independent of the university's management, people and culture function and structure. The service is provided by an independently contracted Ombuds - Fleetwood Group Limited.

This new service was created following the disestablishment of the previous office known as Ea [formerly the employee advisory and resolutions service at AUT].

The inaugural office of Ea was enacted in August 2021. The initial Charter (the instrument of enactment) was an agreement of practices signed by the Vice Chancellor of AUT and the Head of Service. The Charter was subsequently renewed in September 2022, with a term ending in September 2025.

A new charter was signed by the Vice Chancellor and the consultant Ombuds in February 2026.