The Rietveld Academie disapproves of any form of (sexual) intimidation and violence. Everyone at the academy should be able to work and study in a good atmosphere. Safety is an essential condition for this.
The board of the Rietveld Academie considers undesirable behaviour a serious problem that requires our continuous attention. The board wishes to be accountable for a safe study environment where undesirable behaviour is prevented, and for an atmosphere in which negative experiences can be discussed and will be addressed. The Rietveld Academie strives for a constructive and respectful dialogue in a safe context.
We understand that action is needed. A substantial number of persons, processes and protocols are already in place. In the recent years a number of additional initiatives have been set in motion and further steps are now being taken.
Code of conduct
To create socially safe working and learning environments, the Rietveld Academie is in the process of drafting a code of conduct applicable to all staff and students. This code is still under development. When we are a step further along, we will post a version of the code of conduct here on the website. It is a 'living document' and will remain so.
For students
Social safety information for students
A safe learning environment also means that students, former students and staff and former staff can always come to us with questions, reports and complaints about undesirable situations.
Have you experienced undesirable behaviour?
1. Students can get in touch with the Confidants. Most of the confidants are alums from the Rietveld Academie or Sandberg Instituut and they offer a listening ear. Confidants provide general support and guidance regarding internal and external professionals, procedures and regulations, as well as complaint procedures. Click here to read more.
2. Students (and staff) can contact the confidential advisors
Matthijs Hattink; matthijs.hattink@rietveldacademie.nl
Nur Ozgenalp; nur.ozgenalp@rietveldacademie.nl
You can approach confidential advisers whenever you are concerned about undesirable behaviour by colleagues, teachers, students or managers. This means behaviour that you experience as inappropriate, unwelcome, hurtful or threatening. That includes bullying, harassment, gossip, sexual intimidation, aggression, violence and discrimination, but also other forms of abuse, for example corruption or fraud.
Starting points are:
- Every conversation is confidential.
- We will search for solutions together, but you are the one who decides on and takes action.
3. Students and staff can also contact Unsettling. Unsettling Rietveld Sandberg is working towards a policy on inclusion and diversity in the academy. Every Thursday the Unsettling Station is open for conversations in person; on Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs at the Rietveld Sandberg Bibliotheek, FedLev building. For newsletters, questions and updates please email: unsettling@rietveldacademie.nl.
Do you wish to file a complaint?
> Those wishing to file a complaint can find the procedure for undesirable behaviour here. The complaint procedure for undesirable behaviour was recently revised to make it even more transparent and a complaint committee was set up. The official complaint will be submitted to the Complaints Committee.
> It is also possible to file an (anonymous) report, this is seen as a signal and it will go to the confidential advisors. To file a report, visit the form on the intranet.
> If you feel that the persons, processes and protocols in place are not sufficient to help you, you can contact the independent reporting point mores.online, a collective disclosure office for undesirable behaviour in art education.
What else is the Rietveld Academie doing in regard to social safety?
> The academy is working on a policy plan for social safety. A version is available for internal use.
> Download the Unsettling action framework (policy on inclusion), a collaborative document between the Board, students and staff with guidance from the Unsettling team. You can also visit the Unsettling website here: unsettling-rietveldsandberg.net
> In addition, the Social Safety program (working title: SSP) has been set up, led by Nur Ozganalp. SSP organises activities and trainings related to Social Safety, acts as a core between different initiatives, such as Unsettling, Colab, confidant programme, and follow-ups on their activities.
> The Rietveld Academie has various regulations, including the Integrity Code Rietveld Academie. This states that employees and the (members of the) organs of the Rietveld Academie are accountable for (the integrity of) their own conduct. If they are confronted with which violates integrity, they will first address those involved or - if applicable - make use of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Whistleblower Regulations. The regulations can be found on Rietveld Academie's website and intranet.
> In addition, the academy actively pays attention to desirable behaviour and the visualisation and prevention of undesirable behaviour. Satisfaction surveys for students and staff explicitly ask about experiences with undesirable behaviour and the follow-up thereof.
For staff
Social safety information for staff
Have you experienced undesirable behaviour?
> Staff (and students) can contact the confidential advisors
Matthijs Hattink; matthijs.hattink@rietveldacademie.nl
Nur Ozgenalp; nur.ozgenalp@rietveldacademie.nl
You can approach confidential advisers whenever you are concerned about undesirable behaviour by colleagues, teachers, students or managers. This means behaviour that you experience as inappropriate, unwelcome, hurtful or threatening. That includes bullying, harassment, gossip, sexual intimidation, aggression, violence and discrimination, but also other forms of abuse, for example corruption or fraud.
Starting points are:
- Every conversation is confidential.
- We will search for solutions together, but you are the one who takes action.
2. Staff can also contact the external confidential advisor Heleen van Bruggen, heleen.vanbruggen[at]humanresolutions.nl.
3. Staff (and students) can also contact Unsettling Rietveld Sandberg. Every Thursday the Unsettling Station is open for conversations in person; on Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs at the Rietveld Sandberg Bibliotheek, FedLev building. For newsletters, questions and updates please email: unsettling@rietveldacademie.nl.
Do you wish to file a complaint?
> Those wishing to file a complaint can find the procedure for undesirable behaviour here. The complaint procedure for undesirable behaviour was recently revised to make it even more transparent and a complaints committee was set up. The official complaint will be submitted to the Complaints Committee.
> It is also possible to file an (anonymous) report, this is seen as a signal and it will go to the confidential advisors. To file a report, visit the form on the intranet.
> If you feel that the persons, processes and protocols in place are not sufficient to help you, you can contact the independent reporting point mores.online, a collective disclosure office for undesirable behaviour in art education.
Statement on Social Safety in Art Education
In the KUO Sector Agenda 2021-2025, social safety is explicitly named as a theme. It is clear that the sector considers social safety a crucial issue and we have decided to elaborate on this theme in a joint approach. Read the full Statement on Social Safety in Art Education, dated 20 May 2021, here.