Where can I report inappropriate behaviour?

It is important that all cases of discrimination, harassment and other behaviour that violates the Respect Code of Conduct are reported to ETH Zurich, as the institution can only improve on an ongoing basis if it knows where shortcomings arise.

Anonymous reporting form supports prevention

ETH has therefore been offering a new online form since 1 April that people can use to report anonymously any inappropriate behaviour they experience at ETH, be this in the capacity of a person affected or as a witness. “We also consider it important to give those persons an opportunity to report such behaviour who do not wish to approach our contact points and advice services personally,” explains Nadia Dörflinger, Head of Diversity and Cooperation. “At the same time, these anonymous reports serve as a further jigsaw piece in a range of key figures that help us to identify where we need to become more active.”

However, the online form cannot trigger any case processing, underlines Nadia Dörflinger. Although these reports are recorded in the system, ETH is unable to take action solely on the basis of anonymous tips. This is only possible in the Swiss judicial system if the person reporting is prepared to make allegations against the accused under disclosure of their name.

Respect specialist unit offers confidential advice and support

Affected ETH members normally report inappropriate behaviour initially to their supervisor or to HR Consulting. For students, the Counselling & Coaching team at Student Services assumes this function.

If this channel is not possible, affected persons can contact the internal advice and conciliation service Respect (“Respect specialist unit”). Here they can explain confidentially what they have experienced and will receive individual advice on the options available to them. Important: in this “informal” phase, the person seeking advice decides themselves whether they wish to disclose their name and who should be informed about the incident.

Formal report triggers clarification procedure

Should the informal phase not yield a solution, affected persons may submit a formal report to the ETH Reporting Office. This must take place in writing and is only possible if the accused person is employed at ETH. In addition, the affected person must be prepared to disclose their own name and the name of the accused person.

The objective of the formal phase is to resolve the issue between the persons involved. “A common but incorrect expectation is the idea that the Reporting Office can take action against individuals or impose sanctions,” explains Nadia Dörflinger. “However, the job of the Reporting Office is to involve all relevant parties and to coordinate resolution discussions including both the affected and the accused person.” In order to underline further the impartiality and independence of the Reporting Office, it has been exclusively staffed by external specialists since 1 April 2023.

Should the investigation conclude that there has been a proven breach of the Code of Conduct, measures can be taken by line management: depending on the circumstances and degree of severity of the misconduct, persons behaving inappropriately must expect sanctions under personnel law or disciplinary consequences.