Confidential advisor

1. Purpose and principles

The purpose of the Confidential Advisor within the Metal Business Club is to ensure a safe environment in which members, partners and stakeholders can address personal or relationship issues within the club context. This is done on the basis of confidentiality, respect, impartiality and discretion.

Our confidantial advisors are:

2. Tasks of the confidant

The confidant:

  • Offers a listening ear to members dealing with undesirable behavior and integrity issues
  • Helps clarify situations and supports in the search for solutions
  • Can advise on next steps or refer to an external body
  • Does not report substantive matters to the board or third parties without the explicit consent of the person making the report
  • Contributes to a respectful and safe club culture by offering a listening ear to members who are dealing with undesirable behavior or integrity issues

3. Scope and examples of issues

Members may approach the confidential advisor in cases including:

  • Inappropriate behavior (such as harassment, bullying, discrimination, sexism)
  • Integrity questions or suspicions of transgressive behavior
  • Concerns about exclusion or abuse of power
  • Situations where trust or club spirit has been damaged

4. Working method

  1. Make contact: The reporter confidentially contacts the confidential advisor via email, phone or in person.
  2. Conversation: An initial conversation takes place, usually through Teams, in which the situation is discussed. This conversation is always confidential. The report is discussed as a case with the other confidant (anonymously upon request) to arrive at appropriate counseling. NOTE unless the report is about the other confidant.
  3. Counseling or referral: The confidential counsellor discusses and examines with the reporter who can do what and what the possible follow-up steps are. What you can do on your own and/or whether guidance or referral is needed.
  4. Follow-up: If desired the confidant remains involved in the follow-up process.

5. Limits of the role

  • The confidant is not a mediator or therapist
  • The confidential counsellor has no sanctioning role
  • In case of (threatening) punishable behavior, consultation with external agencies can take place, but only after consultation with the reporter, unless there is an acute threat

Regulations and house rules: Confidentiality & Respect

  1. Respect for each other is paramount. Within the Metal Business Club, we treat each other in a way that is open, honest and respectful, according to our house rules.
  2. Everyone should be able to feel safe. There is no place for bullying, exclusion, intimidation or gossip.
  3. We address each other with respect. Reports of transgressive behavior are taken seriously.
  4. The confidant is neutral and approachable. Any member may contact him/her at any time without consequences for his/her position within the club.
  5. What is discussed remains between you and the confidant. The only exception is when there is immediate danger or a legal obligation to report.
  6. Confidentiality is mutual. Both reporter and confidential advisor keep confidential information within the conversation, unless agreed otherwise.
  7. Together we build a club culture in which openness and integrity are central.