If you're experiencing undesirable behaviour from colleagues or students, your line manager is usually your first point of contact. However, a manager cannot always guarantee confidentiality. If you prefer not to speak to your manager, or if the conversation doesn't lead to a resolution, you can always contact a confidential advisor. They are available to all staff, but also to students, external PhD candidates, and guest researchers.
A confidential advisor can:
All conversations are strictly confidential. You can find more information about the role and working methods of confidential advisors on the pages ‘Annual reports of confidential advisers’ and ‘Regulations coverning the confidential adviser for academic integrity’.
If you contact a confidential advisor, you’ll go through a number of steps together. You are always in charge of the pace and direction of the process.
You will usually be invited for a confidential meeting within 5 working days. This can take place by phone, online, or at a safe location on campus. You are invited to share your story. Further steps will only be taken if you choose to do so.
In a follow-up meeting, different options are discussed. The confidential advisor explains the possible courses of action and their consequences. You set the pace and remain in control.
Together you decide which step fits best. Options include:
You can also discuss whether additional support is helpful.
Finally, you will evaluate whether the approach has had the desired effect, and whether further steps are needed. The confidential advisor remains available for support.
All confidential advisors work independently and confidentially, and are specially trained for this role. S are free to choose which advisor you wish to contact – this does not have to be someone from your own faculty or service.
Are you dealing with sexual harassment, (verbal) aggression, violence, bullying, or discrimination? You can contact one of the confidential advisors for undesirable behaviour. You’re free to choose who you talk to. Their names and contact details are listed on the page ‘Contact details for confidential advisers for undesirable behaviour’.
Do you suspect fraud, plagiarism, or another breach of academic integrity? Don’t wait – speak to a confidential advisor early on. The following people can help you:
For more information, see the ‘Regulations governing the confidential adviser for academic integrity’.
Do you have questions about employment conditions, social security, pensions, or workplace conflict? The confidential advisor for employment law offers legal advice and guidance – just for staff.
Remko Koopman is the confidential advisor for employment matters. As a labour law expert and mediator, he supports staff in finding an acceptable solution for all parties.
(Note: Remko is not trained to act as a confidential advisor for undesirable behaviour or academic integrity.)
Remko works one and a half days per week for the UvA. You can reach him at: r.koopman@uva.nl.