Looking back on a successful Social Safety conference

On Monday 5 October, the national conference on Social Safety in Higher Education & Science took place. The University of Groningen (UG) was represented there by three members of the Social Safety programme team and the two coordinators of the Central Contact and Information Point for Social Safety. The conference concluded that all educational institutions have now established rules and procedures and set up a reporting centre. So, a great deal has been put in place, but it is still not equally safe everywhere.

Anne-Marie Petter, Social Safety programme manager: ‘During one of the workshops, we examined in detail the research into the effectiveness of the interventions implemented. We will incorporate the areas for improvement identified into the reorientation of our programme. For example, we recognise that it is important to shift the focus towards desired behaviour.’

This was also emphasised at the conference by Minister Rianne Letschert of Education, Culture and Science: ‘Keep driving the conversation on this and highlight the good examples too. Because ultimately, it’s about behaviour: what is the desired behaviour and how do you discuss it, even if that feels uncomfortable or nerve-wracking?’

The conference was organised by the national steering group on Social Safety in Higher Education & Science. The steering group encourages discussion on social safety, shares best practices and offers a grant scheme for projects and initiatives. The steering group comprises representatives from Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH), FNV/AOb, the National Students’ Union (LSVb), the Intercity Students’ Consultative Body (ISO) and the Dutch PhD Students’ Network (PNN). The steering group also includes five independent experts.

Here you can watch the conference recap video. More information about the University of Groningen’s vision and approach can be found on this webpage.