The Ombudsperson is independent and impartial, identifies undesirable patterns, and makes recommendations to the Executive Board (CvB), the deans or the secretary. The ombudsperson’s role and procedures are defined in the Regulations concering UvA's Ombudsfunctionaris.

What you can contact the Ombudsperson about

You can submit a report regarding:

• structurally transgressive or undesirable behaviour;
• breaches of integrity or suspected wrongdoing;
• failure to honour agreements;
• unfair application of rules or procedures.

The Ombudsperson listens, gives advice, and can mediate or conduct investigations. Your identity will never be disclosed without your consent.

Support after your report

After receiving a report, the Ombudsperson can provide support or follow-up in various ways, such as:

• registering your report;
• offering independent advice;
• mediating or engaging in dialogue with the relevant faculty or service at your request;
• deciding to initiate (or have initiated) an investigation in the case of multiple reports;
• referring you to an appropriate body or expert depending on your situation and needs;
• making recommendations to the Executive Board (CvB), the deans or the secretary.

You may also choose to have your report registered only, without any further action or follow-up.

About the ombudsperson

Samera Hartog-Ouchene is the ombudsperson of the UvA. She has a legal background and extensive experience in enforcement, supervision and integrity within the Ministry of Finance.

The Office of the Ombudsperson also includes:

• Jennifer Aggus, Ombudsperson Adviser – specialised in social safety and undesirable behaviour;
• Wendy Potman, Ombudsperson Assistant – first point of contact and organisational support.

Get in touch – even if you’re unsure

Don’t hesitate to get in touch, even if you’re unsure whether your situation is serious enough.

• ombudsfunctionaris@uva.nl 
• +31 (0)20 525 2501

Appointments can take place either on location or online.

Reports on submitted cases

The ombudsperson publishes an annual report. These reports include anonymised information on the number of reports per faculty or shared service unit, the most frequently reported forms of undesirable behaviour or wrongdoing, and any notable patterns. Reports also include recommendations for improving the social climate at the UvA. See:

• Ombudsperson Report 2024 (PDF, 1 p.p., in Dutch)
• Ombudsperson Report 2023 (PDF, 1 p.p., in Dutch)
• Ombudsperson Report 2022 (PDF, 1 p.p.)