First Contact Points

The First Contact Points (FCP) are low-threshold points of contact for all employees, students and guests of the BIH who have experienced or observed various forms of difficulties, conflicts or discrimination in the workplace. Here, low-threshold means that they are easily accessible as “colleagues next door” to all people without much effort or need of clarity about the issue.
They are primarily available for situations in the workplace. 

FCPs are nor responsible to provide a solution. They can help to sort out situations, support in finding possible solutions and taking further steps, and, if necessary, to refer them to an appropriate counselling service.

The FCPs have no professional training as counsellors. They are employees of the BIH who have volunteered for this position in addition to their regular work. However, the FCPs act independently of their other roles, functions, and hierarchies, and that the conversation is kept confidential and has no impact on the person’s work.
Basic knowledge in counselling, communication and anti-discrimination was acquired in workshop modules.

The work of the FCP is based on the mission statement for fair and respectful interactions at the BIH of 1.2.2023.

All employees, students and guests of BIH who have been affected by or have witnessed discrimination, harassment, abuse of power and scientific misconduct or who have experienced conflicts of various degrees or personal discomfort.

Any form and to any extent of:

- discrimination
- harassment
- abuse of power
- scientific misconduct
- conflicts
- personal discomfort

Even if people are unsure whether a situation they have experienced or witnessed was discriminatory, a conflict or abuse of power, the FCPs are there for people seeking advice.
They are primarily available as a point of contact for incidents at work, but can also be contacted in the case of difficulties that go beyond this, in order to refer to appropriate counselling centres, if necessary.

The FCPs work by the following principles:

1. Independence
The FCPs act regardless of their role or function at BIH and independent of hierarchical levels.

2. Confidentiality
All enquiries and consultations are treated confidentially.

3. Consent
Individual boundaries are respected. A no is a no.
FCPs do not assume the role of a manager and do not act independently without the consent of the person seeking counselling. It is entirely up to the affected person to decide whether to take any further steps. Written consent is given to the counselling session via a consent form.

4. Definatory Power
Persons who have experienced (sexualised) violence or other transgressive behaviour have the right to define what the violation of boundaries consists of and how to proceed after the incident. Persons affected by violence and discrimination should not be put under pressure to justify themselves.

After contacting an FCP of your choice, a counselling session will be arranged within 1 week.

The counselling session lasts approximately 30-60 minutes. If issues remain unresolved, follow-up appointments can be arranged.

At the beginning of the counselling, the person seeking advice and the counsellor sign a consent form.

FCPs listen to the person, take the problems they describe seriously, help them to reflect on the situation and offer support in a confidential way, without judging or evaluating. The FCPs provide relevant information to the person seeking advice and, if necessary, assist in obtaining appropriate help elsewhere (professional help, elected representatives, external agencies, etc.).

The counsellors do not work out a solution for those seeking advice, but help them to find a solution and to weigh up the pros and cons in the discussion.

A counselling session does not automatically lead to consequences and legal steps if the person seeking counselling does not agree on this with the counsellor. It is only up to the person concerned whether and which subsequent steps are taken.