Thank you for the 48 responses to our poll, which we sent out recently to gather input for our meetings with the EB and SB! Despite the meeting with the EB being canceled, we wanted to share a summary of the responses we received. You can find it below, and we will take it into account for any future meetings with the EB and SB. 

What do you think of the 2 recent updates on social safety of the EB in terms of communication and transparency? (first update and second update, only shared with employees)

We received 30 responses to this question, which can be summarized as follows.

The updates are vague and not concrete. No clear and timely actions are formulated, only “cosmetic” measures, which do not address the underlying issues and come across as window dressing. The updates are still not transparent, and therefore, create even less trust. Also, accountability for what has happened and true self-reflection are still missing. 

It seems that these updates are only provided to show that they communicate things properly, not because the EB believes that open and transparent communication is necessary.

How do you rate your current trust in the EB to restore social safety at TU Delft

1 (No trust): 70%
2: 28%
3 (Neutral): 2 %
4: 0%
5 (Complete trust): 0%

Which concerns about the EB do you share?

Lack of transparency: 63%
Lack of self-reflection/accountability: 88%
Lack of urgency to improve social safety: 46%
They are part of the problem: 90%
I have no concerns about the current EB: 0%

What (other) concerns do you have with the EB that you want us to take into consideration in the meetings?

We received 44 responses to this question, which mostly can be summarized by the following points.

• It feels like the EB has the highest power in the hierarchy and they just do what they need to do to maintain their power despite multiple signals asking them to step down. In a democratic public university, such a display of power is not welcome. The way the current hierarchy is constructed also means no real accountability for the ones in charge.
• The current climate feeds unsafe working conditions. Any accusation of socially unsafe behavior will be refuted, or responded with a promise to be discussed – without any notice and feedback. So far, no one has been punished or fired for socially unsafe behavior. How can the EB claim this behavior is not tolerated, while ongoing cases are not being resolved?
• The EB does not seem to want to change, they just pretend to do so. It seems that they are stretching and buying time. The longer the issues are not dealt with and EB stays in power, the better their position. The EB seems to intentionally avoid implementing any changes that would result in them and TU Delft being held legally liable because they don't want to incur financial loss by paying the past, present and future victims.
• There is a lack of diversity in the EB in terms of emotional intelligence. In general, more female colleagues and colleagues with high social and emotional intelligence should be hired at TU Delft.
• Old boys network: they hire friends instead of hiring based on competence.
• The fact that the EB stays in place is damaging the public image of TU Delft. People become ashamed to be part of this institution. If you know that improving social safety is not one of your core qualities, why don’t you let someone else take over? People from outside the TU Delft make comments that even ChatGPT would have provided better answers to the social unsafety than the EB. TU Delft’s reputation will decrease further and cause high potentials to leave or never join this university. 

How do you rate your current trust in the SB?

1 (No trust): 75%
2: 19%
3 (Neutral): 6 %
4: 0%
5 (Complete trust): 0%

Which concerns about the SB do you share?

Cannot hold EB accountable due to close ties with the EB: 71%
Their role in the (re)-appointment of EB members: 71%
Lack of self-reflection/accountability: 77%
Failed to recognise their role in making TU Delft socially unsafe: 81%
I have no concerns about the current SB: 0%

What (other) concerns do you have with the SB that you want us to take into consideration in the meetings?

We received 29 responses to this question, which can be summarized as follows.

• The SB did not fulfill any supervisory role when it comes to the EB.
• The SB does not take any active role. They are not approaching employees or proposing any actions. They are very passive and not promoting any change.
• The EB and SB are acting as a single unit. The SB should be more critical of the EB. They lack impartiality.
• The SB is not visible.