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Support for staff

BUas is committed to social safety, both for students and staff. On this page, you can read what you can do if you have unexpectedly encountered unsafe situations or undesired behaviour.

Breda University of Applied Sciences strives to create a study and work environment where respect is central, and where everyone feels safe and comfortable. This environment facilitates studying and working in a pleasant and productive manner.

To maintain this environment, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to undesired behaviour, such as sexual harassment, discrimination, aggression, violence, bullying, and abuse of power. Should you, as a staff member, encounter undesired behaviour, there are various options available for you to seek advice and/or support.

Support for staff facing undesired behaviour

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about undesired behaviour and discover the steps you can take to get support.

What can you do in the event of undesired behaviour? 
  • Initiate a conversation and provide feedback. If you experience undesired behaviour, try – if possible – to engage in a conversation with the person exhibiting the behaviour. Provide direct feedback and clearly communicate that you experience the behaviour as inappropriate or hurtful. By sharing your feedback, you set boundaries and offer the other person a chance to improve their behaviour. 
  • Discuss the situation with your manager. If you are unwilling or unable to address the person directly, you can discuss the situation with your manager. Together, you can make a plan for possible next steps. 
  • Contact a P&O advisor. If it is not possible to discuss the situation with your manager, you can contact the P&O advisor of your academy or service. They will listen, give you information about the process, and explain the support options available. 
  • Engage a confidential counsellor. In the event of undesired behaviour, you can contact the confidential counsellors within BUas. They will offer you support and help you find ways to end or de-escalate the behaviour. They can also support you in submitting a complaint to the Legal Protection Service. The confidential counsellors work according to the guidelines of the National Association of Confidential Counsellors (Landelijke Vereniging voor Vertrouwenspersonen, LVV) and treat all reports confidentially.
  • Contact the company doctor. If the undesired behaviour affects your mental or physical health, you can reach out to the company doctor. The company doctor offers preventive support and is available to all employees, not just those who are on sick leave.
     
How can you help avoid undesired behaviour?

If you feel that undesired behaviour is taking place (affecting yourself or others), make sure to discuss it promptly. Discuss the situation to see if others also perceive the behaviour as inappropriate, speak to those involved about their actions, and don’t hesitate to confront unwanted behaviour directly. 

How do you know when you are dealing with undesired behaviour? The boundaries are not always clear. What one person experiences as undesired behaviour need not be a problem for another. In our code of conduct, guiding principles and 10 rules: ‘How do we treat each other’, we describe how we at BUas think we should treat each other. The online Mirro module on feedback and conflict management can help you set the conversation in motion.

Do you want to report undesired behaviour? 

You can report undesired behaviour to a manager. If this is not possible, for whatever reason, you can contact a confidential counsellor. 

Do you want to file a complaint?

A complaint about unwanted behaviour has to be filed with the Executive Board or the Geschillencommissie Onderwijs (Education Disputes Committee). You can do so externally via the Landelijke Klachtencommissie Onderwijs (National Education Complaints Commitee). A confidential counsellor can support and advise you in this process.   

Emergencies and unsafe situations 
  • Call 112 for emergencies and acute situations. 
  • No urgency, but still need the police? Then call 0900 8844.
  • In the case of a criminal offence, contact the police via 0900 8844.
  • In the event of emergencies on campus, call the internal emergency number 076-5332112.  
Outside of BUas. External assistance and agencies
Animatie van een gesprek met een vertrouwenspersoon

How do we treat each other

A brief summary of the most important rules of conduct within BUas can be found here.

10 rules of conduct
Drie studenten zitten met een laptop op een bank

Code of conduct

The code of conduct consists of guidelines regarding the way we interact with each other; with integrity and respect.

Check the code of conduct

Need urgent help with sexual assault?

You can contact us safely and anonymously. If you wish, we will ensure that doctors, nurses, psychologists, police or other care providers are called in. 

Or contact the Sexual Assault Center directly yourself, free of charge.