Malpractice
If you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, it’s important to report it to the confidential counsellor for malpractice. This could be excessive spending on a project, for example, or the improper use of a lab. The more we know, the more we can do about it. Your anonymity is guaranteed at all stages of the process. Anything you say to the confidential counsellor will always be treated in strict confidence.
Gert de Boer
Confidential counsellor for malpractice (external)
"I want to create a safe environment where people are free to speak their minds and are not held back by worries about possible consequences."
De Boer has completed courses in psychology and mediation, specialising in criminal justice with the government as one of the parties, and the certified training course of the National Association of Confidential Counsellors (LVV). He lives and works in The Hague and Zwolle.
Contact Gert de Boer by email.
If you suspect wrongdoing, the first person to contact is normally your manager. However, if you prefer not to do this, for instance if your manager is the person about whom you have concerns, you should contact the confidential counsellor for malpractice directly.
What the confidential counsellor does
The confidential counsellor’s role is to provide guidance and advice, and to refer you to other appropriate agencies. He/she can also file anonymous reports on your behalf. Issues related to wrongdoing are those where the public interest is at stake, such as:
- Violations of the law
- An imminent threat to public health
- An imminent threat to people’s safety
- An imminent threat of damage to the environment
- An actual or imminent threat to the proper functioning of the organisation in consequence of an improper act or omission
What the confidential counsellor doesn’t do
The confidential counsellor for malpractice does not act as a mediator, and will never intervene in the normal judicial process or act as an adviser in objection and appeal procedures. The role also does not involve ascertaining the truth as such.
Anonymity and confidentiality guaranteed
If you suspect wrongdoing, you can feel safe about reporting it. Anything you say to the confidential counsellor is strictly confidential. Every step that the confidential counsellor takes in consultation with you requires your explicit consent. You will always have the last word and will ultimately make the decision about whether to present the case to the Committee on Whistleblowing. If you decide to do this, the confidential counsellor can lodge a complaint on your behalf. The confidential counsellor and the Committee will report only to the Executive Board, and always in anonymised form. If you would prefer to report the wrongdoing to someone entirely external to the University, you can contact the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority.
Committee on Whistleblowing
The Committee on Whistleblowing investigates reports of suspected or actual wrongdoing and then advises the Executive Board. Your identity will never be revealed without your explicit consent. The Committee, secretary and secretariat are bound by a duty of confidentiality, and all information will be treated in strict confidence.