Collectively responsible for a positive study and working environment

Social Safety

Social safety is a matter that concerns all of us. All employees, students and guests of ¹û¶³´«Ã½ are collectively responsible for a safe and positive study and working environment. We can achieve this if we all embrace the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ values (Curious, Open, Respectful and Responsible), by following the codes of conduct and if we continue to have open dialogues on how we behave.

It is essential that we call each other to account and point out when things are not going well. But what if you suspect that something inappropriate is going on, have a conflict of interest yourself or are confronted with undesirable behavior?

We believe that it is important to invest in an organizational climate in which we call each other to account for undesirable behavior. Social safety begins with paying attention to each other's professional and personal boundaries when working with others. Professional boundaries are the limits of action that we have agreed upon with each other.

Personal boundaries

Personal boundaries are the boundaries that determine what you tolerate and at what point you no longer tolerate behavior. And this already starts with seemingly ‘small’ behaviors, such as recurring snide remarks, unnecessary touching or belittling someone's feelings of discomfort.

When you feel that your personal boundary is being crossed, say this immediately to the person who is crossing the line. Leaders should create a safe environment where it is possible to talk to each other. But even if this dialogue does not get going or if a manager is unable to create that safe environment, you need to be able to talk to someone. You need to be able to turn to someone.

Where can you turn?
If you are faced with a harmful activity or undesirable behavior, you can contact various people and bodies. The Integrity and Social Safety Desk is the central point for all ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students, staff and guests. You can get in touch with your questions, issues and suggestions about integrity and social safety.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Social Safety see and speak

Our ¹û¶³´«Ã½ social safety support guide shows you the way to the various people and bodies to whom you can turn if you are dealing with a harmful activity or undesirable behavior yourself. You can also look to this if you are worried about someone else.

Preferably, you should first discuss an undesirable situation with the person it concerns. If this is not possible, discuss it with your manager. If this is not possible either, you can ask your HR advisor or PhD/PDEng counselor or use the other options in the social safety support guide.

Do not hesitate to contact the person who you think can best help, even if you have doubts about the (seriousness of the) situation. Your report will always be treated confidentially.

Learning and development at ¹û¶³´«Ã½

¹û¶³´«Ã½ encourages and facilitates the continuous professional development of its employees. We support you in various aspects of your career at our university. The dedicated learning offerings are tailored to ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s strategy, policies, up and coming issues and professional challenges that you may face. 

Increasing awareness of social safety and conversations about this also require support. Learning & Development aims to support you in this by enabling you to have an open conversation about social safety. We do this with leadership programs and the Social Safety Training Program.

Students helping students

Who are ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s student confidential contact persons (CCP)? And what can they do for you? In several CCP's introduce themselves and tell why they think it's so important to have CCP's. On you can find all 24 CCPs and can choose with whom you would like to make an appointment.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

In the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ community of students and staff, we strive for diversity and inclusion. A diverse workforce generates better problem-solving strategies and more creative ideas, accelerates innovation and enables teams to better learn and grow. Moreover, a broader network improves the capacity to function well in a pluralistic society and enables a connection to a wider number of stakeholders.

As ¹û¶³´«Ã½ strives for a diverse workforce, a special focus on female talent in science is necessary. In addition to the advantages of diversity, Irène Curie fellows can serve as role models for the next generation of female scientists.

News

Contact

The central point for all ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students, staff and guests is the Integrity and Social Safety Desk. You can get in touch with your questions, issues and suggestions about integrity and social safety.

For questions about information on this website about social safety, you can contact Corlien van Dam or Inge Adriaans.