Unacceptable behaviour
The workplace should be completely free from unacceptable behaviour, such as bullying, sexual harassment, intimidation, discrimination and violence. If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, it can be difficult to talk about it. Yet it’s very important that you report it to one of the confidential counsellors for unacceptable behaviour, because unless you do, we won’t be able to help you. Anything you say to the confidential counsellor will always be treated in strict confidence, and he/she will never take action without your consent.
Ramon Kuipers
Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour
“A pleasant and safe working environment for all: that is what I am about. If you encounter undesirable beahviour or some other integriity issue, I am here to help you out calmly and confidentially”
Contact Ramon Kuiper via email.
Mehrnoush Golafshan
Confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour
“Opening up and talking about the situation with a confidential counsellor often provides new insights and perspective. In this way, we happily help you find a solution. Sometimes all it takes is just one conversation.”
Contact Mehrnoush Golafshan via e-mail
Don’t wait too long to ask for advice
If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, it’s important to address it by speaking directly to the perpetrator(s) 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
What the confidential counsellor does
The University has two confidential counsellors for unacceptable behaviour, and they will always be on your side. You can contact the confidential counsellors to:
- Share your story and your emotions
- Investigate what steps you could take
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each step, so that you can reach an informed decision (this could well be a decision to do nothing)
- Get advice and support
- Get assistance if you want the situation to be addressed or if you want to lodge a formal complaint with the Complaints Committee
What the confidential counsellor doesn’t do
The confidential counsellor for unacceptable behaviour 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, and does not cover job performance issues or labour disputes.
Confidentiality guaranteed
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 Complaints Committee.
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.