A new service to strengthen the School’s commitment to combatting discrimination, harassment and gender-based violence

Creating work and study environments in which everyone feels respected, heard and safe is not just an organisational goal: it is a collective responsibility.

It is with this in mind that POLIMI Graduate School of Management is introducing the Confidential Counsellor service, an independent and qualified figure who offers a listening ear, support, and guidance to anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment or gender-based violence.

The initiative is part of the School’s Anti-Harassment Code of Conduct and represents a concrete step in reinforcing our commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

A point of reference for those in need of support

Harassment and discrimination at work remain widespread and are often difficult to report. According to the most recent ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) data, 13.5% of working women in Italy report having experienced harassment or sexual blackmail in the workplace at some point in their lives, while over 86% of people say they don’t know who to turn to for support.

To address this need, POLIMI GSoM has introduced the role of the Confidential Counsellor, an external professional with expertise in discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The service was also developed thanks to our collaboration with the Libellula Foundation, an organisation committed to promoting an inclusive organisational culture.

POLIMI GSoM’s Confidential Counsellor is Roberta De Leo, a lawyer, who offers a confidential and professional listening space to anyone wishing to discuss situations of potential discrimination or harassment.

“Those who experience or witness incidents of discrimination or harassment often feel lost, and struggle to find a safe space in which they can talk.  The role of the Confidential Counsellor exists precisely for this reason: to offer a listening ear, guidance and support, while fully respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved," explains Roberta De Leo.

The service is accessible to members of the School community: staff, collaborators, faculty members, students, trainees and suppliers.

 

Building a culture of respect together

The introduction of the Confidential Counsellor is not only a protective measure, but also an important step in promoting an organisational culture that is increasingly attentive to the wellbeing of individuals.

“With the introduction of the Confidential Counsellor, we are strengthening our commitment to promoting a work and study environment based on respect, inclusion and equal dignity. It is an important tool that complements the training and awareness-raising activities already undertaken by the School,” commented Erika Ortu, D&I Manager at POLIMI Graduate School of Management.

The School's Anti-Harassment Code of Conduct is based on a clear principle: everyone has the right to work and study in an environment free from discrimination, violence and harassment, while contributing to building a culture based on mutual respect.

For this reason, POLIMI GSoM will continue to promote dedicated information and training sessions, with the aim of strengthening an organisational culture capable of preventing behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals-

For further information or to request support, please contact the Confidential Counsellor at consiglieradifiducia.gsom@fondazionelibellula.com