"In recent years, we have taken important steps towards greater awareness and support regarding social safety. However, it is crucial that we continue to focus on this concern. Only by consistently listening to one another, learning, and identifying areas for improvement can we ensure that everyone genuinely feels heard, respected, and safe," says Vice President and Social Safety portfolio holder Marcel Nollen. Together with him and President Margrethe Jonkman, we take a closer look at social safety at VU Amsterdam.
What has been achieved regarding social safety in recent years?
Marcel: "In 2022, we commissioned the independent research agency Berenschot to critically assess whether we, as an organisation, were taking the right steps regarding social safety. Their findings showed that social safety is a significant focus within VU Amsterdam.
At the same time, we recognised that improvements were needed in how we organise and structure these efforts. Consequently, we have strengthened our governance on social safety and appointed a domain manager to ensure effective collaboration. An essential aspect of this is the exchange of knowledge and experiences among confidential counsellors, the ombudsmen, and the domain manager. This enables us to identify trends in a timely manner and respond accordingly. Additionally, raising awareness and ensuring that everyone knows where to turn for support within VU Amsterdam remains a priority, which we have further reinforced through our communication efforts."
What will be the focus in the coming period?
Marcel: "I believe we have made solid progress in establishing systems and organisational structures for social safety. When issues arise, we address them. At the same time, prevention is always better than cure. That is why we all - employees, supervisors, students, PhD candidates, and ourselves - must become even more aware of the importance of social safety. The key is to recognise warning signs as early as possible and engage in discussions when incidents occur."
Margrethe: "That means focusing on culture. And culture is not something you explain once and consider resolved. That is why our annual social safety plans include specific measures to enhance the cultural aspects of social safety."
Discussing social (in)safety can be challenging. How do you perceive this?
Margrethe: "These are often complex and sensitive issues that affect people deeply and can be perceived in different ways. That can make discussions difficult. Suppose someone sends you a chat message that makes you uncomfortable—how do you address that? You do not know how the other person will react; they might dismiss your concern. That makes it challenging." Marcel: "Absolutely, because one person must have the courage to speak up, while the other must be open to listening. And the latter is not always the case."
Margrethe: "Still, it is essential to have these conversations. By listening and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, understanding grows. Often, people are unaware that their words may be perceived as hurtful. In many cases, there is no bad intent. And if there is, I hope people become more aware of it so they can correct themselves or make amends."
Marcel: "This aligns with the governance changes we have implemented. When issues arise, it is first a matter between the employee and their supervisor or HR advisor, or between the student and their lecturer or study advisor. That is the starting point, and ideally, the issue should be resolved there. I also believe this should be an integral part of our culture. After all, we are a university, and learning is central to everything we do, including improving social safety through learning from and with each other.
Bystanders also play a role. If, as an employee, you witness something between two colleagues, or as a student, between a lecturer and a fellow student, and think, ‘I am not sure how I feel about this,’ do not ignore it. I understand that it might be easier to look away, but you can also intervene. That is why we offer the Active Bystander training for staff, and we are exploring how to extend this to students."
Margrethe: "We truly need to do this together. After all, together, we make VU Amsterdam. And that 'we' includes all employees, students, and PhD candidates— as well as us as the Executive Board. I recently sat down with a group of PhD candidates, and I told them the same thing: if you believe there is something we can improve, let us know. We are here to support you."
What role do executives play in this matter?
Marcel: "Executives play a crucial role in ensuring social safety. They must understand its importance, know how to address it, and act accordingly. That is why many of our leadership training programs include components on social safety. Additionally, we actively incorporate this topic into the onboarding process for new employees and students."
To what extent do budget cuts pose a risk to social safety?
Marcel: "The substantial budget cuts our university faces may lead to uncertainty and tension, particularly as they may involve job losses. This affects people and relationships, potentially impacting social safety. Because we recognise these risks, we are actively exploring ways to support employees and supervisors practically and concretely. We must remain especially vigilant during this period."
How does VU Amsterdam handle the impact of geopolitical tensions on social safety?
Marcel: "Last year, we experienced, amongst other things, demonstrations on campus. This also created tensions. We believe it is crucial not to shy away. That is why we have engaged in discussions with representatives from various groups, to understand their concerns and how they express them. How can we, as a community, continue to interact with one another in a respectful and peaceful way, even when dealing with difficult issues?"
Margrethe: "Now more than ever, maintaining connected with one another is vital. A great example of this, in my view, is Heem Hajareh, director of the Palestinian women’s movement Women of the Sun, and Yael Braudo Bahat, director of the Israeli women’s movement Women Wage Peace. They co-authored the pamphlet ‘Mother’s Call’ and were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by VU Amsterdam. Another example is ‘Deel de Duif,’ a group of Jewish and Muslim youths organising dialogue events, engaging in social debates, and giving guest lectures at schools and universities."
How do you monitor social safety at VU Amsterdam?
Margrethe: "We employ various methods, including the employee survey (starting February 25 this year), the national student survey (running from January 13 to March 9), and engaging in conversations on campus." Marcel: "We hold monthly discussions with the Student Council, which provides valuable insights into what is happening within our community. The same applies to the Staff Council. These interactions are very useful in understanding the issues at hand."
Margrethe: "From now on, we will conduct the employee survey annually, following a proposal from the Staff Council, which we have embraced. This allows us to better understand our organisation’s dynamics and to set our priorities more effectively. This year, social safety is a key focus. The research is a valuable tool to anonymously gauge what is on people's minds and to investigate what employees consider important in the approach to social safety.”
Marcel: "Additionally, we can learn from each other. If a department excels in fostering social safety, what can we take from that and apply elsewhere within VU Amsterdam? A good follow-up of the research by departments and services, in collaboration with employees, is crucial. Thus: what is the outcome that emerges, and what is required based on that? This should also be reflected in the annual plans; we therefore expect concrete actions to be included in the annual plans, which must be delivered by August."
Can you envision a future where social safety is 100% guaranteed?
Margrethe: "With 40,000 people at VU Amsterdam, comparable to a small city, incidents will always occur. Completely eliminating inappropriate behaviour is unrealistic. But together, we can ensure that we detect and discuss it as early as possible, also to find solutions proactively. It is important that we continue to work together to foster an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and safe."
