Inspectorate clears TU of mismanagement label: ‘significant improvements’ in employee care

The Education Inspectorate published its long-awaited follow-up report on 16 April, two years after it found mismanagement at TU Delft. The Inspectorate has now concluded that this is no longer the case: support for staff has been sufficiently restored and further supervision will not be necessary.

In its assessment, the Inspectorate takes into account the time that has elapsed since its first report. It acknowledges that not all problems can reasonably be resolved within two years, but expresses confidence in the course of action taken.

Sixty interviews

Based on around sixty interviews with, amongst others, board members, senior managers, confidential advisors and reporters, as well as a series of documents, the inspectors conclude that things are improving at TU Delft. Ten sub-topics were examined. These are culture, leadership, governance, engaging with staff, safeguards, human resource management, speaking up and expressing opinions, internal oversight, the Executive Board and senior management, and harassment or threats against staff by a director or supervisor.

On all these sub-topics, the Inspectorate concludes that the changes implemented contribute to the welfare of staff. For instance, the Inspectorate believes that the new code of conduct, programmes to promote leadership skills The Inspectorate reports that TU Delft has decided to extend the requirement to the latter group as well., and opportunities to discuss social safety contribute to a cultural shift and greater social safety. This also applies to the introduction of the reporting point, the improved accessibility of helplines, and the enhanced visibility and clarified role of the Human Resources department.

Trust has been damaged

The Inspectorate observes self-reflection and increased awareness of social safety among the Board, the Supervisory Board, directors and deans, although it notes a lack of attention to ‘the systemic factors that can influence such situations’.

There are other areas of concern as well. For instance, the inspectors note that new problems are emerging here and there in the handling of individuals accused of social unsafety. Furthermore, the trust of many staff members has been damaged by the actions of the previous Executive Board and will need to be restored. The inspectorate also believes that procedures relating to recruitment, transfer and dismissal need to be improved.

Response from the Executive Board

The Executive Board welcomes the recovery report. In a position statement, it states that it endorses the conclusions. It also thanks the inspectors, not only for this new report, but also for the one from 2024. According to the Executive Board, that report was ‘instrumental in setting the course for improving social safety throughout the organisation’.

‘Gathering ideas from staff and students’

The Executive Board promises to address the identified areas for attention and to ensure continued focus on vulnerable groups. “Of course, we will gather ideas from staff and students, such as through the employee participation bodies, so that together we can identify and implement the desired actions,” says Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl in a statement. ‘We will do everything we can to (continue to) offer our staff and students a safe and pleasant working and study environment. Social safety is our shared responsibility,’ adds President Ingrid Thijssen.

In a message to staff and students, they highlight the helplines that are available. “The help guide on the social safety website indicates who you can turn to for what. Our message remains: please make use of this if you need it.”