If an institution provides for only one ombudsperson, the deputy performs the ombudsperson’s duties to the full extent in the event of bias, a potential or actual conflict of interest or in cases of absence.

If there is no such case, the ombudsperson can engage in a mutual exchange with their deputy at any time regarding ombudsperson activities.

If more than one ombudsperson works at an institution, they can deputise for each other.

In order to avoid conflicts of interest, the task of the ombudsperson may not be performed by prorectors, deans or other persons with a management function at the respective institution. This lowers the inhibition threshold for those seeking advice from an ombudsperson.