We have two internal and two external confidential counsellors that you can contact. All four offer a safe environment where you can raise your concerns and receive appropriate support. Anything you share with a confidential counsellor will be treated with strict confidentiality, and they will never take action without your permission.

Internal confidential counsellors

Marije Bedaux

Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour (internal)

‘If you’re experiencing problems at work – for example, with communication, power dynamics, integrity issues or unacceptable behaviour – you can always talk to me in confidence. I’m here to help.’

Bedaux works as a career coach for students at the Leiden Law School’s Career Service. She has completed several training courses, including a mediation course.

Contact Marije Bedaux by email.‘

Nadia Garnefski

Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour (internal)

‘As a confidential counsellor, I listen to you and help you back on track by looking for possible solutions together; don’t wait too long to get in touch; sometimes the first step is easier than you think.’

Garnefski is a healthcare psychologist (GZ-psycholoog) and a senior lecturer in the Clinical Psychology department at the Institute of Psychology. Her research includes developing e-health programmes for adults and young people dealing with depression.

Contact Nadia Garnefski by email.

External confidential counsellors

Ramon Kuipers

Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour (external)

‘I’m here to create a pleasant and safe working environment for all. If you’re experiencing unacceptable behaviour or facing an integrity issue, I can offer support in a calm and confidential space.’

Contact Ramon Kuiper by email.

Mehrnoush Golafshan

Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour (external)

’Talking things through with a confidential counsellor can often bring new insight and perspectives – and help you find a way forward. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation.’

Contact Mehrnoush Golafshan via email

Raise the problem

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, you can try talking to the person in question or informing your manager. If you’re not able to find a solution between you, or if you prefer not to involve your manager, you’re welcome to contact a confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour. Examples of unacceptable behaviour could include:

• unfair treatment
• bullying and tormenting, such as gossiping, exclusion and humiliation
• discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political opinions or nationality
• sexual harassment
• intimidation
• aggression and violence

More information about confidential counsellors

Find more about what a confidential counsellor does and does not do, confidentiality and options for appeal and objection on the page Confidential counsellors.

Complaints Committee for Unacceptable Behaviour

If you’re not able to find a solution yourself, or if the behaviour is such that you want to lodge a complaint immediately, then the confidential counsellor can help you with this. You must lodge this formal complaint with the Complaints Committee for Unacceptable Behaviour. The Complaints Committee, secretary and secretariat are also bound by a duty of confidentiality, and all information will be treated in strict confidence.