A confidential advisor can play an important role within an organization and deals with undesirable manners such as (sexual) harassment, aggression, bullying and discrimination and integrity issues such as fraud, theft, misuse of company resources, undesirable side activities or abuse of power. This can range from offering a listening ear to providing advice and support in reporting such issues.
It is often difficult for smaller organizations to have their own (internal) confidential advisor. In that case, using an external confidant may be a good solution. Even larger organizations often opt for an external confidential advisor, whether or not in conjunction with an internal confidential advisor. The external confidential advisor can support the internal confidential advisor and is independent. This makes it easier for employees to report or discuss something without fear of possible repercussions within the organization.
A bill is currently being debated in the second chamber. It is expected that having a trustee will likely become mandatory for all organizations.
The Social Affairs and Employment Inspectorate is already looking into whether there is a properly trained confidential advisor.
Our external confidants come from legal practice, psychology practice and business. They have attention and knowledge of both the importance of acknowledging personal experiences, emotions, communication and organizational interests involved in problem solving.
We believe that prevention is better than cure and therefore proactively put prevention first.
We are independent and proactive and have no interests or relationships with other employees. Therefore, it is easier for employees to go to an external confidant if they are confronted with a colleague’s inappropriate behavior or suspect integrity violations.
We provide analysis and advice regarding how desired manners and integrity are included in your code of conduct and integrity policy, as well as for your existing reporting procedure and grievance procedure and review them against regulations.
We demonstrate accountability to management by producing a fully anonymized annual report with analysis of findings and recommendations.
We have mediators on our team with years of mediation experience who can do conversation coaching in addition to mediation.
We are happy to support your internal confidants by sparring with them or offering peer review.
We provide replacements for vacation and illness.
We allow ourselves to be evaluated by your own employees, anonymously, so that you can get feedback on the appreciation of our performance.
Our external confidential advisors have a legal background and extensive experience within small and large (international) organizations, both in the commercial and nonprofit sectors.
Our external confidants are solution-oriented within the capabilities of the metier of Confidant.
Our external confidants are LVV registered and speak both Dutch and English.
Together, we provide a safe and healthy work environment. This ensures lower costs, higher productivity and better flexibility.
The first task
Supporting the victim of unwanted behavior or the potential reporter of an integrity issue: listening to his or her story and working together to find an appropriate solution to the situation, allowing him or her to function safely and healthily again.
The second task
Educate employees and supervisors about undesirable behavior and integrity issues: the emphasis is on prevention, how to deal with it if it does occur and the role of the confidential advisor in this regard.
The third task
Solicited and unsolicited advice to management in both areas.
So an external confidential advisor will ensure that your organization becomes a safer workplace, saving you a lot of money and improving the working atmosphere for your employees.
