Organisational Integrity

The third domain in TU Delft’s integrity policies and Code of Conduct – next to social and academic integrity – is organisational integrity. This concerns rules, risks and dilemmas linked to the behaviour of staff and students in relation to TU Delft as an organisation as well as to external stakeholders. Examples are topics such as good governance and leadership, collaboration with third parties, responsible business operations, prevention of conflicts of interest and the proper handling of donations, gifts and invitations.

Code for Good Governance

The Code for Good Governance of Dutch Universities, which was drawn up and signed by all Dutch universities, provides a framework for transparency and responsibility with regard to university management within TU Delft. More detailed information about compliance with this code is available via the following links:

• University management and administration
• Profile sketch and ancillary activities of the Executive Board
• Supervisory Board
• Annual reports

Collaboration with third parties

For TU Delft, collaboration with external parties (such as other universities, companies or institutions) both within and outside the European Union is of the utmost importance. Open exchange of knowledge is at the heart of scientific progress and technology transfer. However, collaborations may involve certain risks. It is important that decision making about partnerships always takes place with scrutiny, taking into account the rights and interests of all stakeholders.

TU Delft has a Knowledge Security Advisory Team that supports staff members when assessing risks and applying laws and regulations. In 2022, a pilot project at the faculty of EEMCS was successfully executed, centering around moral deliberation as a method for investigating knowledge security dilemmas from the workplace step by step. In 2023/2024, this pilot receives a university wide follow-up. In other areas too (such as collaboration between TU Delft and the fossil fuel industry or the defense sector) we will explore how moral deliberation supports careful decision making, transparency and learning.

Ancillary activities regulations

Being involved in ancillary activities is often beneficial for employees’ professional development and hence the university. However, it is important that the interests of the university are not harmed as a result of these activities and that trust in science is not affected. TU Delft urges all staff members to carefully reflect on possible undesired effects of potential and ongoing ancillary activities and to discuss these regularly with their managers. Transparency is key. Academic staff list all ancillary activities for which they have been granted permission on their personal, publicly accessible webpages.

All Dutch universities have agreed on the Sectoral scheme covering ancillary activities. Subsequently TU Delft has established Implementation regulations. Employees can find more detailed information on the employee portal.

Acceptance of donations

TU Delft wants to strengthen and further develop her position in the university world top, as described in the TU Delft Strategic Framework 2018-2024. One of the strategic priorities is to realize an increase of the incoming funds via donations (4th money stream funding). The aim of the Protocol acceptance of donations by Delft University of Technology  to guarantee thorough responsible making. This protocol applies to all financial donations to TU Delft, both direct donations and indirect donations via Delft University Fund.

Contact points for more information or advice

If you have questions about TU Delft’s policies with regard to organisational integrity, feel free to contact the Integrity Office (policy advisor Mare Faber, m.faber-3@tudelft.nl).

Employees, students and guests of the TU Delft who find themselves confronted with matters relating to undesirable behaviour and/or integrity can exchange views with an internal or external confidential advisor. This also applies when an employee is considering formally reporting a suspected breach or wrongdoing concerning organisational integrity through the Regulation for Reporting Wrongdoings (Whistleblower Regulation). This regulation is meant for reporting behaviour of the TU Delft, organisational units or individuals if other interventions do not prove adequate. A supervisor who receives a report from a staff member will inform the Executive Board. The Executive Board can order an investigation.

Students and employees who get stuck with questions, dilemmas or problems related to the work and/or study climate at TU Delft, may also approach one of the university’s two Ombuds Officers. There is one for staff and one for students. The Ombuds Officer gives independent and impartial advice, can act as an intermediary or conduct an investigation. 

Furthemore, TU Delft has an external contact point, as stipulated in Article 7 of the Regulation for Reporting Wrongdoings. After having invoked this regulation, an employee may turn to the external contact point if they do not agree with the stance adopted by the Executive Board, have not received a response within the set deadline or are of the opinion that compelling interests prevent the application of the internal procedure. The external office is the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority.