German Ombudsman Association: experience and shared standards
The German association of confidential reporting attorneys promotes professional cooperation and standards for attorney-led ombuds services.
Updated September 13, 2026: The information about Dr. Tobias Rudolph’s current membership and the GOA standards has been revised.
Our connection with the association
Dr. Tobias Rudolph is a founding member of the German Ombudsman Association – Vereinigung deutscher Vertrauensanwälte e. V. (GOA). After serving on its board for many years, he now belongs to the association as an ordinary member.
The association’s work provides a forum for professional discussion of recurring practical issues: clearly defined roles, confidentiality, legal assessment of reports, and the relationship with Germany’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Guidance for practice
The published GOA standards (German) address the organization and delivery of ombuds services. They are professional recommendations issued by an association. The applicable law and the specific engagement remain decisive.
For whistleblowers, the priority is knowing whom to contact and receiving a clear explanation of what happens after a report. This is also the guiding principle behind the information on this website.