regulations and modus operandi of the United Nations. There were two possible ways of introducing an ombudsman into the current grievance procedures. First, the ombudsman could be used to encourage the parties concerned to settle out of court, so to speak, before or at any point during the normal grievance process. Secondly, the ombudsman could act as an advisory body, making available its expertise to the complainants. The Office of Personnel Services should investigate the desirability of introducing an ombudsman with a view to improving and accelerating the grievance process. The meeting rose at 5.15 p.m. • 