At Circet, we want all colleagues to feel good about themselves. Confidential advisors play a key role in this. They are the go-to person to discuss concerns and problems, help resolve conflicts and more. Prevention advisor Luca Vanheusden explains what the position entails.
Luca, what exactly does a confidential advisor do?
“The role of confidential advisor is to support colleagues facing psychosocial risks at work (including bullying, unwanted sexual behaviour, aggression, stress, conflicts, etc.). They can talk freely about their fears and problems with the advisor. What is said is strictly confidential. For example, if an employee is bullied or has to deal with unwanted behaviour at work, that person can report it to the confidential advisor.”
While the confidential advisor’s set of responsibilities is broad, these are some of the most important:
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Listen and support: offer a listening ear to those in need of a chat, but also emotional support and empathy.
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Provide advice: draw from his or her expertise to help people deal with problems, stress and conflicts.
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Resolve conflicts: mediate and provide support in conflicts between employees. |
Refer: if necessary, refer to the external service for prevention and protection at work.
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Can anyone become a confidential advisor?
Luca: “The confidential advisor must be able to take a neutral position, towards his or her colleagues as well as towards Circet as an employer.” That’s why you are not allowed to be a confidential advisor in certain management functions, or when you are part of the trade union delegation or are a candidate for social elections.” Not sure if you qualify? Find out by contacting prevention advisor Luca at luca.vanheusden@circet.be
How do you become a confidential advisor?
Luca: “First, you need to apply via the link at the bottom of this article. This is followed by a screening by various parties, including HR, IDEWE and the members of the CPBW. If you pass the screening, you will attend a 5-day training course at an accredited training centre.
During this training you will go over relevant legislation regarding discrimination, intimidation, bullying and other forms of undesirable behaviour in the workplace. We’ll also hone your psychological and communication skills.
Conflict resolution and mediation are also part of the training programme. You will also learn to properly document and report incidents, always taking the person’s privacy into account. A confidential advisor has a clear mandate and therefore works within a legal framework.”
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How do you apply for the role?
You can apply for the role via this link. Tell us why you want to become a confidential advisor and take on this role as a volunteer. You can apply until 31 March 2024. Interested but still unsure? Check out this video. |