Confidential counsellors

Social safety

Workplaces are, by their very nature, social environments. Social safety describes the sense of feeling safe with other people. This is the kind of setting that human beings need to maximize their emotional and intellectual functioning in an integrated way.

• To know that you can do your job according to legal regulation.
• To feel free to give and receive (constructive) feedback to learn.

Furthermore; We do not tolerate any type of undesirable conduct, including sexual and general harassment, aggression, bullying or discrimination.

Procedure
During your PhD trajectory, you may encounter a variety of challenges whether academic, professional, or personal. 
These difficulties can occur in different ways, such as:

• Disagreements with your supervisor or colleagues within your research group.
• Unclear or unsatisfying supervision, where expectations or guidance may not be aligned.
• Miscommunication about publications, including issues around authorship, contribution, or recognition.
• Feeling uncomfortable or unsupported in your work environment or team dynamics.

These issues can be difficult to manage, but you’re not alone. There are dedicated people ready to support you and help you explore your options:

1. Start by talking to your supervisor or promotor. 
   Open communication can often help resolve misunderstandings or concerns early on.
2. If that doesn’t help or doesn’t feel safe, contact the Graduate School Office (Shaun Girigori). 
   You can email phdpolicy@erasmusmc.nl to make an appointment for a confidential conversation. Alternatively, you’re welcome to drop by during the Graduate School Walk-in Hours every Monday from 10:00 – 12:00 in NA – 2016.
3. If this is not possible you can contact the confidential counsellors at Erasmus MC. 
   For PhD candidates and research master students, you can contact Marjan Versnel (m.versnel@erasmusmc.nl), affiliated with the Graduate School.
   Other confidential counsellors are also available. The confidential counsellors do not hold authority decide on matters but can certainly help you reframe your problem or advice you on further steps.
4. Another option is to contact the Erasmus MC Ombudsman, Mario Buijk (ombudsman@erasmusmc.nl). 
   The ombudsman can inform, advise, mediate, refer (e.g., to a mediator), or conduct an independent investigation with your explicit consent.

• Communicate clearly and openly.
• Conduct an open dialogue on a structural basis at every level: work meetings, progress discussions, and performance interviews.