University of Groningen (UG) opens central Contact and Information Point for Social Safety

Starting 1 September, the University of Groningen (UG) will launch a central Contact and Information Point for Social Safety, as a supplement to the existing reporting structure. The new Contact and Information Point is available to anyone who studies, works, or is otherwise involved with the UG and wants to know where to turn with a question, concern, or report about undesirable behavior.

Drs. Hans Biemans, Vice President of the Board of the University: 'Social safety is very important to the University of Groningen. Our staff and students must be able to work and study in a safe environment. We encourage everyone to become consciously competent in respectful and equitable behavior. In recent years, we have organized training sessions and dialogue meetings on this topic, and we will continue to do so. We want to be able to identify and address undesirable behavior, such as intimidation and aggression, in a timely manner. This new Contact and Information Point can make an important contribution to that.'

Guide

With the new Contact and Information Point for Social Safety, the UG is creating an accessible and safe guide for anyone seeking support or wishing to submit a signal or report (anonymously). Both within and outside the university, a wide range of support and expertise is already available for those facing undesirable behavior. However, experience shows that it is not always clear where best to turn. The new Contact and Information Point addresses this by inviting everyone to make contact via a single online entry point. This is important, first and foremost, because it allows people to access the help they need in a timely manner. In addition, the UG expects the new Contact and Information Point to contribute to faster and better insight into the extent and impact of undesirable behavior, enabling effective action to prevent recurrence.

Experts

Through a web form, anyone can contact the coordinators of the Contact and Information Point for Social Safety. They will then refer individuals to the most appropriate form of support. The coordinators have close ties with experts within the UG and can, where necessary, involve specialists to further examine a case. It also remains possible for anyone to directly contact an internal officer, a confidential advisor, or the ombudsperson. Together with the new Contact and Information Point, they form a network for everyone seeking help or wishing to submit a concern or report. In the coming months, the RUG will focus on raising awareness of the new Contact and Information Point among staff, students, and others involved with the university.