As of January 1, 2023, Wico Verbaan is the new ombuds officer of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). As ombuds officer he contributes to a healthy and safe working environment within the university and the learning capacity of the organization. He works independently, impartially and neutrally. As of January 9, employees and students can approach Wico Verbaan with reports of improper conduct in a low-threshold and confidential manner.
In 2019, the ombuds function was introduced within EUR as a pilot, in part to promote a safe working and study climate. The function has since become mandatory for all Dutch universities according to the collective bargaining agreement. After the successful pilot, the function is now also structurally filled within EUR. Wico Verbaan succeeds Edith Weijnen, who served as ombuds officer for almost three years until March this year. In the intervening months, students and employees could contact the ombuds officer at Erasmus MC.
Wico Verbaan: "I am looking forward to fulfilling the position of ombuds officer within EUR. It seems a nice challenge to combine my passion for people, behavior, integrity and organizations with the so important and socially relevant topic of social safety. In my work, as an investigator, confidant or advisor, I have always tried to have an eye for all parties: complainant, defendant, reporter, witnesses, the organization and its stakeholders. My experience is that when you look for wise follow-up together in an open, clear and people-oriented manner, you can arrive at fine and lasting solutions."
Ed Brinksma, president of the Executive Board: "A safe working and study climate is essential for EUR. We are therefore pleased that with the arrival of Wico Verbaan we can once again structurally fill the important independent position of ombuds officer. We see in him a solid, analytical, creative and people-oriented professional who, with his passion for people and integrity, can give shape to a further strengthening and refinement of the function."
Working method
The ombuds officer can, on his or her own initiative, conduct investigations (or have them conducted) into the (un)proper conduct of organizational units, employees and/or students. This is done independently of the board. In addition, both students and employees can contact Wico Verbaan with questions and problem situations regarding studying or working at EUR. The ombuds officer offers support with questions, dilemmas or conflicts in the workplace or within a program. This support may consist of, for example, an (in-depth) conversation, advice, referral, mediation or the institution of an independent investigation. All contact with the ombuds officer is treated confidentially.
Care structure
EUR has developed a care structure to promote a safe working and study climate. This consists of a cooperating network of confidants, study advisors, the company doctor and the company social worker. The ombuds officer is also part of this. This care structure has also been expanded to include psychological help for students and employees (OpenUp) and psychological help and services for PhD students.