Evolution of the Prevention and Handling of Psychosocial Risks

Context

In autumn 2025, the EPFL Assembly and the Vice Presidency for Human Development (VPH) launched a consultation on proposed developments in the prevention and management of psychosocial risks and the revision of the whistleblowing Directive.

Community feedback

There were 25 contributions within the consultation framework, including 13 individual submissions and 12 from various EPFL entities and collectives (EPFL Assembly, services, School Councils, associations, etc.). In addition, 4 contributions were received outside the consultation.

Overall, the two directives under consultation were received rather positively, with recognition of greater clarity in the proposed roles and structures. The proposal to outsource the handling of formal complaints was particularly appreciated.

However, several requests for clarification and adjustments were made, resulting in changes to both directives. The VPH’s response to the various contributions can be consulted on the EPFL Assembly website.

Decision

The EPFL Management reviewed the community feedback. On December 16, 2025, it validated the changes made following these comments in LEX 1.8.1 and 1.8.3 and gave the green light to prepare for the implementation of the new system, beginning with the launch of a public call for tenders for outsourced management of the reception of formal complaints and preliminary investigations.

New directives:

• LEX 1.8.1: Directive on the Reporting of Legally and Ethically Inappropriate Behavior at EPFL
• LEX 1.8.3: Directive on the Protection of Personality and Conflict Management at EPFL

The entry into force of both reviewed LEX is scheduled for January 1, 2027, according to the implementation timeline adopted by the EPFL Management.

Until then, the current system remains in place: the Trust and Support Network (TSN) and the Respect Compliance Office (RCO) will remain operational in 2026, while structures are being adapted.

Major changes

• The Reporting Office, proposed to replace the current Respect Compliance Office (RCO) and tasked with conducting investigations, will be renamed External Reporting Office to clearly emphasize its independence from EPFL.
• The Help Point, proposed as the entry point to the confidential support system, will be renamed Trust & Support Office. For simplification purposes, the terminology has been aligned with what the community already knows, while avoiding confusion with the Trust Point digital platform.
• Concerns regarding confidentiality and anonymity have been acknowledged and will be taken into account during implementation.
• The deadline for filing a complaint is extended from 6 to 12 months after the end of studies or the employment contract.
• Specific measures will be considered during implementation, notably to strengthen the protection and support of complainants and respondents, and to prevent risks of retaliation.
• The representativeness of the Executive Committee, responsible for evaluating reports from the External Reporting Office and following up on complaint analyses, will be broadened. It will include three permanent members appointed by function (legal, security, VPH), and three individuals appointed ad personam by the EPFL Management, upon proposal from relevant associations, for two‑year mandates. These members will be drawn from different groups (faculty, students, scientific staff). An explicit recusal mechanism will be integrated into the Executive Committee’s regulations to avoid any conflict of interest.

Planning

• January 2026: launch of the public call for tenders (PCT) for the External Reporting Office
• July 2026: expected conclusion of the PCT
• September 2026:
  • Onboarding of the External Reporting Office
  • Training of the Executive Committee and stakeholders linked to the Trust & Support Office
• January 2027: entry into force of the directives and implementation of the new system