'Every employee and manager should complete this e-learning!'

The E-learning social safety for staff consists of 3 short videos featuring relatable real-life scenarios. Both staff and managers learn what social safety entails, how to recognise inappropriate behaviour, and what actions to take when encountering such behaviour. The module also highlights the internal support systems VU offers. Completing the e-learning takes just 30 minutes. We asked several colleagues to preview the e-learning and share their thoughts.

"The e-learning makes social safety and inappropriate behaviour clear and tangible"
Chay Mohammed, controller at the Finance Department: "Social safety is often mentioned as a topic, but I never fully understood what it did-or didn't-include. And that makes it harder to speak up or take action. The scenarios in the videos are very relatable and clearly show what behaviour is acceptable and what isn't. The module also explains where to go within VU Amsterdam if you're dealing with inappropriate behaviour. It also highlights resources like the Active Bystander training for when you see something happening to a colleague."

Nieke Elbers, associate professor at the Faculty of Law: "The e-learning really prompts reflection. Thanks to the videos, the abstract concept of social safety becomes tangible. It really makes you reflect on your own awareness and responsibility-and encourages you to act if you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour."

"It's great that the VU Code of Conduct gets attention too"
Maaike van Balen, team leader Student Success at SOZ: "I appreciate that the e-learning also draws attention to the VU Code of Conduct. That's an important and educational element-it clarifies what kind of behaviour we expect of everyone at the university.

"Many PhDs may not be familiar with the available support structures"
PhD Candidates Merel Buis (at the Amsterdam Business Research Institute) and Joshua Nooij (at the Institute Environmental Studies also stressed the relevance of this training for doctoral researchers. Merel: "There's a video in the module that focuses on a situation involving PhDs-one many will recognise. You also learn who to turn to for what, such as the confidential counsellors for inappropriate behaviour and the confidential counsellors for academic integrity. I think a lot of PhDs are still unaware of these support systems."

Joshua: "This e-learning clearly illustrates the kinds of situations we're talking about and what social safety at VU actually stands for. That's important, because it's still quite an ambiguous term. As PhDs, we sometimes think: 'this is just how the system works'. But this module shows that certain behaviours are not acceptable-and that it's okay to question them. It also empowers people who experience inappropriate behaviour by offering tools to take action."

Curious? Start the e-learning now!
You can complete the Social Safety E-learning at any time via this link[MOU6] -it only takes 30 minutes. Have you already completed it and feel just as enthusiastic as the colleagues above? Be sure to share your experience with others. The more people take part, the stronger our shared effort becomes to foster a safe and inclusive working and learning environment.

Contact
For questions about the E-learning social safety for staff, please contact Ellen van den Boogert, Policy Advisor HRMAM.