Support guide for staff
Depending on the circumstances, you may want to discuss an undesirable situation with a manager or supervisor first. If, for whatever reason, this is not possible, you can use one of the other options listed here. When you talk to someone they may also refer you to these options.
If you have experienced or are experiencing undesirable behaviour (such as sexual intimidation, aggressive or violent behaviour, bullying and discrimination) you can contact one of the confidential advisers for undesirable behaviour. They can provide support and help look for a way to stop or de-escalate the undesirable situation. Where relevant they will refer you to professional care and assistance. They can also help you submit a claim to the Complaints Committee. The confidential advisors work in accordance with the guidelines of the National Association of Confidential Advisors and handle your report or question confidentially.
See confidential advisers for undesirable behaviour for UvA staff
The ombudsperson is an independent figure you can contact when you encounter structural problems and injustices within the UvA. You can do so confidentially and without formalities. When you report to the ombudsperson, there will be an (intake) interview unless you don’t want this. The ombudsperson can also decide to not take on the report if legal proceedings are pending. The ombudsperson may decide to initiate an investigation based on a single report or (the registration of) multiple reports.
If you have experienced or are experiencing undesirable behaviour (such as sexual intimidation, aggressive or violent behaviour, bullying and discrimination) you can contact your supervisor or lecturer. If this is not an option for you, contact the confidential counselors for undesirable behavior or the ombudsperson.
Do you have questions about issues relating to your work or legal position, such as terms of employment, a reorganisation or a dispute with your supervisor? In that case you can contact the Confidential Adviser for Individual Legal Position. As an employment lawyer this adviser can advise you about your legal position. The adviser is independent and tries to mediate as much as possible in conflicts. Remko Koopman only works for the UvA on certain days, usually on Tuesdays and Friday mornings, so the best way of contacting him is via email.
If you are struggling with problems in your social environment (for example relating to your living and working situation, religion, personal circumstances) and this is affecting your work, or has already resulted in your not being able to carry out your work fully, you can turn to the occupational welfare service or an occupational health physician. This is confidential and free of charge. You do not need to be ill to make an appointment.
Go to information and contact details of the Occupational Health and Safety Service
Read what you can do when struggling with intimidation and threats.
If you have questions or complaints relating to academic integrity you can contact a confidential adviser for academic integrity. They can also inform you about the procedure for submitting a complaint to the Academic Integrity Committee.
Go to contact details of the confidential advisers for academic integrity
If you want to submit a formal complaint regarding undesirable behaviour on the part of a member of staff of the UvA, you can turn to the Complaints Committee. The procedure for handling complaints is laid down in the Regulations for Employee and Student Complaints Procedures at the University of Amsterdam.
Go to information about the Complaints Committee and Regulations
The emergency number in the Netherlands is 112.
If you are on campus you can call the UvA's Central Control Room on the central emergency number: +31 (0)20 525 2222.
Have you observed an unsafe situation or near accident? Report what you saw via www.uva.nl/veilig.
Please note 0800 and 0900 numbers are only accessible for people calling from within The Netherlands.
As a lecturer, tutor or teaching assistant it can be challenging to deal with a signal or report undesirable behaviour inside or outside the classroom. With a few basic principles and steps, you can carefully handle a situation. This guideline gives you guidance and identifies who to ask for advice, help and support.
You can be a bystander in an unacceptable situation with undesirable behaviour. The 'Active Bystander Toolkit' helps you to be an active bystander. The toolkit provides tips on how to intervene in a way that best suits you and the situation.
For employees: Active Bystander social safety toolkit (pdf)
If you have questions about social safety or need support, please contact Personnel & Organisation (P&O).
You can find more information on the UvA policy and initiatives regarding social safety at uva.nl/socialsafety.
Also see the UvA's code of conduct, which sets out how students and staff should treat each other and what to do when undesirable behaviour occurs.
New regulations have recently been adopted for the ombudsperson, the confidential advisers for undesirable behaviour and the complaints procedure. These regulations go into effect on 1 November 2021. Read more about the new regulations.
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