UG part of steering group for national Social Safety campaign

From November 2026, the University of Groningen will be working with thirteen other universities on a campaign to promote positive standards of conduct. The aim of the campaign is to strengthen inclusive, safe and respectful behaviour within the academic community. This is necessary to shift the focus from preventing undesirable behaviour to promoting desirable behaviour. The campaign is funded by a grant from the national Social Safety steering group.

A positive shift

In recent years, there has been increased attention in higher education and academia to social safety and the recognition and prevention of undesirable behaviour. The measures that have resulted from this remain as important as ever. However, this approach is primarily focused on creating an environment where signs and reports can be openly discussed and on the careful handling of complaints and incidents. Anne-Marie Petter, Social Safety programme manager at the University of Groningen and a member of the national steering group, explains: ‘The aim of the national campaign is to bring about a lasting shift towards a balanced and inclusive approach to social safety. By highlighting what promotes social safety – and not just what causes social insecurity – we as universities want to contribute to an academic environment where people feel free, valued and respected.’ The campaign aims to showcase positive examples, constructive ways of interacting and diverse perspectives, thereby strengthening the confidence and agency of students and staff.

Joint approach

As a member of the leading group, the University of Groningen (RUG) will work alongside the thirteen other universities on preparations for the campaign and a national communication programme on social safety. Various groups from the academic world will be involved in this, such as students, staff, as well as advisers in the field of Diversity & Inclusion and marginalised and under-represented groups, to ensure that the approach is in line with the diverse academic context. The collaboration will run from November 2026 to December 2027.

Social safety at the University of Groningen

Social safety contributes to the health and wellbeing of staff and students and, consequently, to the quality of teaching and research. To embed social safety permanently within the university community, the University of Groningen established a programme in 2024 to coordinate all activities relating to social safety. The programme has already ensured that a number of important steps have been taken. For example, the Social Safety Reporting and Information Point was launched, where staff and students can seek help, raise concerns or make reports. In addition, the programme organises meetings and dialogues and offers training courses to support the wider University of Groningen community in becoming safer and more socially inclusive.

More information about social safety

• Website Social Safety
• How can you contribute?
• What does the UG do?